What is the best action if a wounded officer is in a hot zone?

In a hot zone, which is an area that poses an ongoing threat to safety—such as an active shooter scenario—the priority is to ensure the safety of the wounded officer while minimizing the risk to all individuals involved. Having the wounded officer find cover is the best action because it helps protect them from potential further harm.

Cover can provide immediate safety from ongoing threats, allowing the officer to be shielded from gunfire or other dangers. This action can also provide a moment for evaluation of the situation and the injuries sustained. It's crucial to remember that care and assessment of injuries can only effectively take place after ensuring the immediate environment is secure for both the officer and the responder.

Other options, while they may seem beneficial in certain situations, do not prioritize immediate safety in a high-risk environment. Assessing all injuries carefully would take time that may not be available in a hot zone. Starting transport can expose both the officer and the responder to danger and waiting for backup might leave the wounded officer vulnerable without urgent care. Therefore, seeking immediate cover is the most tactical and safe measure in a hot zone scenario.