MARCH-PAWS
Airway & Breathing
Circulation & Resuscitation
Hypothermia & Eye Trauma
100

This is the absolute first medical priority upon transitioning from Care Under Fire to Tactical Field Care.

massive hemorrhage control

100

This is the preferred first-line physical maneuver or basic airway adjunct for an unconscious casualty without airway obstruction.

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) or a recovery position

100

This fluid is the absolute first choice for hemorrhagic shock resuscitation according to TCCC guidelines.

cold stored whole blood

100

Hypothermia prevention should begin at this point in the MARCH sequence, even if the ambient environment is warm.

During the 'H' phase of MARCH

200

When applying a limb tourniquet during Care Under Fire, it should be placed in this specific location relative to the clothing.

High and tight / over the clothing

200

This surgical procedure is indicated at the Tier 4 level if a casualty has severe maxillofacial trauma and simpler airway measures have failed.

surgical cricothyroidotomy

200

When whole blood is unavailable, TCCC prioritizes plasma, RBCs, and platelets in this specific, balanced ratio.

1:1 ratio

200

This is the specific item that should be applied over a suspected penetrating eye injury to prevent further pressure on the globe.

rigid eye shield

300

This is the maximum amount of time a tourniquet should remain in place before an attempt should be made to convert it to a hemostatic dressing, provided criteria are met.

2 hours

300

This is the anatomical location where a needle decompression of the chest (NDC) should be performed using the primary anterior site.

second intercostal space in the midclavicular line

300

This antifibrinolytic drug should be administered as soon as possible (and within 3 hours) to casualties anticipating a need for significant blood transfusions.

Tranexamic Acid (TXA)

300

You should completely avoid applying this type of dressing to a casualty with a suspected globe injury.

Pressure Dressing

400

You should never attempt to convert a tourniquet if the casualty is in this clinical state, or if the amputation is complete.

Combat shock

400

Per TCCC guidelines, this is the recommended size (gauge and length) of the needle/catheter device used to perform a needle chest decompression.

10-gauge, 3.25-inch needle

400

This is the target systolic blood pressure or physical indicator (such as a palpable pulse) you are looking for when resuscitating a patient in hemorrhagic shock without a TBI.

BP of 80–90 mmHg systolic or a palpable radial pulse

400

Hypothermia, acidosis, hypocalcemia, and this blood-clotting abnormality make up the deadly "Lethal Diamond"

Coagulopathy

500

In the MARCH-PAWS acronym, the letters "P" and "A" toward the end of the sequence stand for these two critical evaluation steps.

Pain (management) & Antibiotics

500

If a casualty's initial tension pneumothorax symptoms resolve after an NDC but later return, you should execute this specific physical intervention next.

perform a second NDC or flush initial NDC.

500

Unlike standard trauma, if a casualty has a suspected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and cannot follow commands, fluid resuscitation must be aggressive enough to maintain a systolic blood pressure of at least this high.

110 mmHg systolic

500

This active heating blanket system is commonly issued in TCCC kits to rewarm casualties and should be placed directly over the casualty's shirt, not bare skin.

Ready-Heat blanket