What does 'PAWS' in MARCH PAWS stand for?

The acronym 'PAWS' in the context of MARCH PAWS stands for Pain, Antibiotics, Wounds, and Splints. This system helps combat medics and corpsmen prioritize the care they provide to casualties in tactical environments.

Understanding the individual components is essential for effective treatment. Recognizing and managing pain is crucial for patient comfort and can also reduce the potential for shock. The administration of antibiotics is vital in preventing infection, particularly in wounds that could easily become contaminated in a battlefield setting. Addressing wounds directly through proper care is fundamental to preventing further complications and promoting healing. Finally, the application of splints is necessary to stabilize fractures and minimize movement, which can exacerbate injuries.

This prioritization ensures that critical aspects of care are attended to efficiently, improving the chances of positive outcomes for the injured individuals.