MARCH Protocol: A Simple Guide to Saving Lives
The MARCH protocol is a step-by-step way to help someone badly hurt. It is used by first-aiders, soldiers, and emergency workers worldwide. MARCH enables you to remember what to do first to save a life.
What Does MARCH Stand For?
MARCH is an easy way to remember the most important things to check when someone is hurt. Each letter stands for a step:
M โ Massive Bleeding
Heavy bleeding is the most serious problem and must be controlled first. A person can die from massive bleeding in just a few minutes, so this step is very important.
โข Check for Bleeding: Look at the body for big wounds or heavy bleeding. Check under clothing if safe to do so.
โข Control the Bleeding:
โข Tourniquet: If the bleeding is from an arm or leg and is severe, use a tourniquet. Place it above the wound, closer to the body, and tighten it until the bleeding stops. Note the time it was applied.
โข Direct Pressure: If you do not have a tourniquet, press hard on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
โข Wound Packing: Pack the wound with gauze or cloth and press down firmly for deep wounds.
Important: Always check for more than one bleeding wound, especially after accidents or explosions.
A โ Airway
The airway is the path air takes from the nose and mouth to the lungs. If the airway is blocked, the person cannot breathe.
โข Check the Airway:
โข If the person is awake and talking, the airway is clear.
โข If the person is unconscious, check their mouth for objects (food, dirt, or teeth) that might block the airway.
โข Open the Airway:
โข Head Tilt, Chin Lift: Tilt the head back and lift the chin. This helps open the airway.
โข Recovery Position: If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them on their side to keep the airway clear.
โข Special Situations: If you suspect a neck injury, move the head carefully.
R โ Respiration (Breathing)
After the airway is open, check if the person is breathing well. Without enough oxygen, the body and brain can be damaged.
โข Check for Breathing:
โข Look at the chest to see if it is rising and falling.
โข Listen for breathing sounds.
โข Feel for breath on your cheek.
โข Help with Breathing:
โข If the person is not breathing, give rescue breaths and start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
โข If a wound is on the chest, cover it with a non-breathable material (like plastic). This is called an occlusive dressing. If available, use a chest seal, ideally a vented one.
โข Check for Injuries: Look for injuries to the chest that might make it hard to breathe, such as broken ribs or puncture wounds.
C โ Circulation
This step is about ensuring blood flows around the body to keep organs working.
โข Look for Other Bleeding: Check the whole body for any bleeding you missed before. Control any bleeding using pressure or bandages.
โข Shock Prevention: When a person loses a lot of blood, they can go into shock. This is dangerous because it stops blood from reaching vital organs.
โข Check for Pulse: Feel for a pulse on the neck or wrist. This can help you monitor the patient
โข Lay the person down with their legs raised to help blood flow to the heart and brain.
โข Keep them calm and reassured.
H โ Head and Hypothermia
Injuries to the head can be severe, and losing body heat can make other injuries worse.
โข Head Injuries:
โข Check for wounds, swelling, or bruising on the head and neck.
โข Look for signs of concussion, like confusion, dizziness, or vomiting.
โข If there is a head injury, keep the person still and avoid moving their neck.
โข Hypothermia (Loss of Body Heat):
โข When a person is injured, they can quickly lose body heat, even in warm weather.
โข Cover the person with a blanket or jacket to keep them warm.
โข If possible, keep them off the cold ground using a mat or other barrier.
Why Use the MARCH Protocol?
The MARCH protocol helps you check the most serious problems first. This order can save lives, especially in emergencies where medical help is far away. It is easy to remember and can be used in many situations, from accidents to conflict zones.
Learn More
Knowing the MARCH protocol can help you stay calm and do the right things in an emergency. Contact Lazarus Training today to learn more about first aid and life-saving skills. We offer courses to help you feel ready and confident to help others.