In TCCC, what does the 'C' in the primary assessment acronym 'MARCH' represent?

In the primary assessment acronym 'MARCH' used in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), the 'C' stands for Catastrophic Hemorrhage. This term emphasizes the critical need to control severe bleeding as one of the first steps in managing trauma casualties.

During the MARCH assessment, the initial focus is on identifying and controlling any life-threatening hemorrhages that could lead to hypovolemic shock or death if not addressed promptly. This involves employing appropriate techniques such as applying direct pressure, using tourniquets, or utilizing hemostatic agents to stop the bleeding effectively.

Understanding the significance of catastrophic hemorrhage within the MARCH framework ensures that responders prioritize the stabilization of the patient before moving on to other assessments, such as airway management and respiratory issues. This systematic approach is crucial in improving survival rates in traumatic injury cases.