What does MARCH stand for?

• A. Massive hemorrhage, airway, respirations, circulation, head injury/hypothermia
• B. Massive hemorrhage, airway, respiration, circulation, head injury/hypothermia
• C. Massive bleeding, airway, respirations, circulation, head injury/hypothermia
• D. Massive hemorrhage, airway, respirations, clotting, head injury/hypothermia

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the order of priorities in trauma care. MARCH starts with stopping massive bleeding because uncontrolled hemorrhage is the most immediate life threat and must be addressed first. Once the bleeding is controlled, the next priority is securing the airway, followed by ensuring proper breathing (respirations), then supporting circulation to maintain blood flow and prevent shock. The final step is to manage head injury and prevent hypothermia, since brain injury needs attention and hypothermia can worsen bleeding and outcomes. The correct wording uses “massive hemorrhage” and “respirations” (plural), and places head injury/hypothermia as the last element. The other options either change the terminology or the order, so they don’t match the standard sequence.