The medical community uses the acronym DCAP-BTLS to remember what to look for when conducting a rapid assessment.
DCAP-BTLS stands for the following:
Deformities
Contusions (bruising)
Abrasions
Punctures
Burns
Tenderness
Lacerations
Swelling
When conducting a head-to-toe assessment, CERT members should look for DCAP-BTLS in all parts of the body.
Remember to provide IMMEDIATE treatment for life-threatening injuries.
You should pay careful attention to how people have been hurt (the mechanism of injury) because it provides insight to probable injuries suffered.
