In the context of TCCC, what does MARCH stand for?

The acronym MARCH in the context of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is a mnemonic that helps medics prioritize their actions when managing combat casualties. It specifically stands for:

• Massive hemorrhage

• Airway

• Respiratory

• Circulation

• Hypothermia

This order emphasizes the most critical aspects of trauma management in a combat scenario.

Starting with massive hemorrhage addresses the leading cause of preventable death in trauma patients. Next, ensuring a clear airway is vital because an obstructed airway can quickly lead to respiratory failure. The respiratory component follows, focusing on ensuring adequate ventilation. Circulation is then assessed to manage shock and maintain blood pressure. Lastly, combating hypothermia is crucial, particularly in a traumatic environment where the risk of exposure can exacerbate a patient’s condition.

Understanding this order of operations allows medics to quickly assess and treat life-threatening injuries effectively, increasing the chance of survival for injured personnel. The correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of the MARCH acronym, highlighting the importance of hypothermia awareness in trauma care that often gets overlooked.