What does the "M" in MARCH PAWS stand for?

The "M" in MARCH PAWS stands for Massive bleeding (hemorrhage). This acronym is a critical component of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) framework, emphasizing the urgent need to control life-threatening hemorrhage as one of the highest priorities in trauma care on the battlefield.

Controlling massive bleeding is essential because it significantly impacts the chances of survival. If a casualty is losing a substantial amount of blood, they are at a high risk of hypovolemic shock, which can lead to death if not addressed quickly. Immediate interventions such as applying pressure, using tourniquets, or performing wound packing are vital skills that combat lifesavers are trained to employ in order to stabilize the casualty and prevent further blood loss.

By recognizing "massive bleeding" as the focus for the "M" in MARCH PAWS, it clarifies the urgency of taking swift action in managing bleeding before addressing other injuries or aspects of care. This prioritization is central to saving lives in combat scenarios where time and immediate action can make the difference between life and death.