What does the acronym MARCH stand for in trauma care?

The acronym MARCH is a systematic approach used in trauma care that prioritizes the most critical interventions necessary to manage life-threatening conditions. Each element stands for a specific aspect of patient care:

• Massive hemorrhage: This emphasizes the urgent need to control severe bleeding, which can lead to shock and death if not addressed immediately.
• Airway: Once bleeding is managed, ensuring the airway is open and secure is vital for oxygenation and ventilation. Any obstruction must be identified and corrected promptly.

• Respiration: After addressing the airway, it’s essential to assess and support breathing. This may involve checking for pneumothorax or ensuring that the patient can adequately ventilate.
• Circulation: Following airway and breathing, evaluating the patient's circulation is crucial to assess perfusion and identify any additional sources of bleeding.
• Head injury/hypothermia: Recognizing potential head injuries and preventing hypothermia ensures that the patient maintains acceptable levels of oxygen and temperature, both critical in trauma care.

Using MARCH helps medics and first responders to quickly and effectively prioritize their actions, potentially saving lives by addressing the most lethal injuries first. This systematic approach is especially relevant in high-pressure and time-sensitive environments