Which component of MARCH focuses on preventing hypothermia and managing head injuries?

• A. Massive hemorrhage
• B. Airway
• C. Respiration
• D. Hypothermia/Head injury

Answer: (D)

In MARCH, the last element addresses two crucial issues that shape outcomes beyond immediate bleeding control: keeping the casualty warm and protecting the brain. This Hypothermia/Head injury component focuses on preventing hypothermia, which can worsen bleeding by impairing clotting and driving metabolic problems, and on managing head injuries to limit secondary brain damage. In practice, this means applying warming and insulating measures, drying the patient, and handling them in a way that preserves brain function—while continuing to monitor and support airway, breathing, and circulation. The other parts of MARCH target life-threatening conditions like hemorrhage, airway obstruction, and breathing or circulation problems, but they don’t specifically address temperature management or head-injury considerations, which is why this component is the correct focus.