In TCCC, what is the focus when treating casualties?

In Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), the primary focus during the treatment of casualties is prioritizing life-threatening conditions. This approach is rooted in the acronym MARCH, which stands for Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, and Head injuries. The primary goal in a tactical environment is to address the most critical issues that can lead to death, such as severe bleeding and airway obstruction, before attending to other medical needs. By focusing on life-threatening conditions first, medics can effectively stabilize patients and improve their chances of survival in a hostile environment.

While relieving pain, minimizing movement, and providing psychological support are important aspects of patient care, they are secondary to ensuring that immediate threats to life are managed first. In high-stress combat scenarios, quickly identifying and treating life-threatening issues can make a significant difference in outcomes for casualties.