In trauma care, what does the acronym MARCH stand for?

The acronym MARCH is a systematic approach used in trauma care to prioritize and address life-threatening conditions in a timely manner. It is structured to guide responders in making quick decisions that can significantly impact patient outcomes during emergency situations.

The components of MARCH stand for:

• Massive hemorrhage: This emphasizes the need to identify and control severe bleeding as the first priority, as it is often the most immediate threat to life in trauma cases.

• Airway: Securing the airway is crucial to ensure that the patient can breathe and maintain adequate oxygenation. This step comes immediately after addressing any massive hemorrhage.

• Respiration: After ensuring the airway is secure, it's vital to assess and manage any respiratory issues that may be present, such as tension pneumothorax, which can compromise breathing and oxygen delivery to the body.

• Circulation: This involves assessing the patient’s circulation, checking for pulse and blood pressure, and ensuring that the heart is effectively pumping blood throughout the body.

• Hypothermia: Lastly, managing body temperature is important in trauma care to prevent hypothermia, which can hinder the body’s ability to clot and increases the risk of infection.

By following the MARCH protocol, EMTs and other