What does the letter D in DCAPBTLS represent?

The mnemonic DCAPBTLS is used in trauma assessment to help medical personnel remember the key components to look for when evaluating a patient. The "D" in this mnemonic represents "Deformities."

When assessing a trauma patient, identifying any deformities is crucial as they can indicate underlying injuries that may not be immediately apparent, such as fractures or dislocations. Recognizing deformities allows the medic to prioritize care and transport decisions, and informs subsequent treatment. This aspect of assessment is a fundamental part of the primary survey to ensure that any life-threatening conditions are identified early.

The other choices focus on aspects that are indeed important in patient assessment but are not represented by the letter "D" in DCAPBTLS.