DCAP-BTLS is a
mnemonic used in
trauma assessment to help an
EMT, or
Paramedic, to remember what to look for when performing patient assessment. It stands for:
Deformity
Contusion
Abrasion
Puncture/
Penetration
Burn
Tenderness
Laceration
Swelling
The rapid trauma assessment is preformed after the inital assess before the patient is loaded onto the ambulance to ascertain if there are any immediate life threats that need to be managed. DCAP-BTLS is also used when on the ambulance the EMT, or Paramedic, preforms a detailed physical exam.