Which action is not part of the MARCH assessment procedure?

The MARCH assessment procedure is a systematic method used for assessing and managing trauma patients, particularly in emergency situations. It stands for Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, and Hypothermia. Each of these components plays a critical role in prioritizing the immediate threats to life.

Assessing mental status, while important in a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s overall condition, is not a formal part of the MARCH procedure. Instead, MARCH emphasizes the sequential treatment of life-threatening conditions that can quickly lead to death if not addressed. After controlling massive hemorrhage, securing the airway, ensuring effective respiration, addressing circulation issues, and preventing hypothermia, other assessments, including mental status, can be conducted, but they do not fit into the MARCH acronym.

The other actions outlined in the MARCH procedure—controlling massive hemorrhage, evaluating the airway, and managing for hypothermia—are all directly related to immediate life-saving interventions that target physiological needs critical for survival. By focusing on these areas first, the assessment ensures that the most life-threatening conditions are addressed in an order that maximizes the chances of recovery for the patient.