In TCCC, what does the acronym MARCH stand for?

The acronym MARCH in TCCC stands for Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, and Hypothermia. This sequence is critical in the management of trauma patients, reflecting the priorities in battlefield medicine.

Starting with Massive Hemorrhage, this aspect highlights the urgent need to control life-threatening bleeding, as it is the most immediate threat to survival in traumatic injuries. Control or cessation of blood loss significantly enhances a casualty's chance of survival.

Next is Airway management. After ensuring that hemorrhage is controlled, it is vital to secure the airway to prevent asphyxia and ensure that the casualty can breathe effectively.

Following this, Respiration focuses on assessing the effectiveness of the casualty's breathing and managing any potential pneumothorax or other injuries affecting respiration. This is essential to maintain adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure.

Circulation is then assessed to identify and manage shock states or any cardiovascular compromise. Maintaining circulation is essential for organ perfusion and survival.

Finally, Hypothermia is addressed, as traumatic injuries and the environment can lead to a drop in body temperature, further complicating the clinical picture and adversely affecting outcomes.

This structured approach provided by the MARCH acronym helps medical providers systematically address life-threatening injuries in