What does the 'M' in the MARCH acronym stand for?

The 'M' in the MARCH acronym stands for Massive hemorrhage control. This is a critical component of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), as uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. The MARCH acronym is used as a memory aid to prioritize trauma care in a tactical setting, where rapid intervention is necessary.

By focusing on massive hemorrhage control first, medics and corpsmen can quickly identify and address life-threatening bleeding using techniques such as applying tourniquets, pressure dressings, or hemostatic agents. This emphasis on stopping significant blood loss before moving on to airway management, respiration, circulation, and other aspects ensures that the most immediate threats to life are handled first, ultimately increasing the casualty's chance of survival.