What does the acronym DCAP-BTLS stand for in medical assessment?

The acronym DCAP-BTLS is a mnemonic used in the medical assessment of trauma patients to enable EMTs and other healthcare providers to systematically and effectively identify potential injuries. The correct interpretation is Deformity, Contusion, Abrasion, Puncture, Burn, Tenderness, Laceration, and Swelling.

Each component of this acronym represents a specific type of injury or assessment finding:

• Deformity refers to an abnormal shape or structure of an extremity or the torso, indicating a possible fracture or dislocation.
• Contusion is a bruise resulting from bleeding under the skin due to trauma, which helps assess the severity of the injury.
• Abrasion refers to a superficial injury where the skin is scraped or rubbed away, often indicating a degree of trauma.
• Puncture denotes a wound that penetrates the skin, which can introduce pathogens, making assessment critical.
• Burn identifies any thermal injury to the skin, which can vary in severity and requires specific considerations for treatment.
• Tenderness is a subjective finding where the patient experiences pain upon palpation of the injured area, providing clues to potential internal injuries.
• Laceration describes a tear or cut