In the DCAP-BTLS acronym, what does 'D' stand for?

In the DCAP-BTLS acronym, the 'D' stands for Deformities. This term is used in the context of a thorough assessment during patient evaluation in emergency medical situations. When EMTs conduct an examination, they look for any visible deformities in the patient's body that may indicate underlying injuries or conditions, such as fractures or dislocations. Recognizing deformities is crucial as it helps in forming a treatment plan and prioritizing care, as these can indicate significant trauma or compromise to anatomical structures.

The other terms, while related to injury assessment, do not specifically define what is encompassed by the 'D' in DCAP-BTLS. Deformities specifically highlight physical changes to the body's structure, making it a key element in the assessment process for EMTs.