In the P-MARCH-P acronym, what does the first "P" stand for?

The first "P" in the P-MARCH-P acronym stands for Patient/Provider Safety. This step emphasizes the importance of ensuring that both the patient and the provider are safe from any immediate dangers before providing care. This includes assessing the environment for threats such as enemy fire or hazardous materials, and ensuring that the area is secure to prevent further harm to both the casualty and the responder.

Recognizing patient and provider safety as the first priority allows for effective care to be administered without the responder putting themselves in unnecessary danger, which could lead to additional casualties or adverse outcomes. By focusing on safety first, healthcare providers can ensure that they have a safe environment in which to perform their medical interventions. This foundational principle underlies all subsequent actions in the TCCC protocol, reinforcing the concept that effective care can only be achieved when safety is assured.