PAWS

PAWS – Pain, Antibiotics, Wounds, Splints

In the TCCC system, the MARCH protocol addresses life-threatening injuries. Once those are managed, it is followed by the PAWS phase — focusing on everything needed to keep the casualty stable after the immediate threats are handled.

P – Pain: Control pain to prevent shock and improve comfort.
A – Antibiotics: Prevent wound infections in field conditions.
W – Wounds / Burns: Clean, dress, and protect injuries.
S – Splints: Immobilize fractures and prevent further damage.