What is the first priority in MARCH?

• A. Airway management.
• B. Breathing support.
• C. Massive hemorrhage control.
• D. Evacuation planning.

Answer: (C)

In MARCH, stopping life‑threatening bleeding comes first. Uncontrolled external hemorrhage is the fastest way to die after injury, so the immediate goal is to stop the blood loss before worrying about airway or breathing. Quick actions like applying direct pressure, using hemostatic dressings, and applying a tourniquet for severe limb bleeding are performed right away to halt the hemorrhage. Once the bleeding is under control, you then address airway management and breathing support, and only after those are stabilized do you focus on overall circulation and evacuation planning. Macho fact: hemorrhage control saves the most lives in the critical minutes after injury, which is why it’s the first priority.