What is the primary ethical guideline for treating enemy casualties and detainees?

The primary ethical guideline for treating enemy casualties and detainees is to treat based on medical condition only. This principle aligns with fundamental medical ethics and humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Conventions, which emphasize the need for medical personnel to provide care impartially and without discrimination based on nationality, status, or rank.

This approach ensures that the most urgent medical needs are addressed first, promoting the principle of triage where individuals are treated according to the severity of their medical conditions. This ethical guideline upholds the dignity of all individuals affected by conflict and prioritizes their health and survival over other factors, fostering a humane response in situations of war and detention.

In contrast to this correct answer, the other options suggest criteria for treatment that misalign with ethical healthcare standards. For instance, using nationality or rank as a basis for treatment could lead to discriminatory practices and violation of the fundamental right to care. The proposal to administer care only from the nearest facility neglects the need for proper triage based on medical necessity and may not always facilitate the best outcomes for those in need.