DCAP-BTLS
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures/penetrations, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DCAP-BTLS stands for Deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures/penetrations, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
EMS mnemonic for what to look and feel for during a trauma assessment of each body region. It structures the rapid trauma survey and detailed exam.
Example: Chest: DCAP-BTLS negative except contusion over L lower ribs.
Usage notes
Taught widely in US EMT courses. Paradoxical movement and crepitus may be added for the chest. Using it consistently helps prevent missed injuries during a stressful scene.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- CAB – Compressions, airway, breathing
- CCT – Critical care transport
- CMO – Comfort measures only
- CPR – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- CPSS – Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
- CTAS – Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale
- DNACPR – Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- DNAR – Do not attempt resuscitation
- DNI – Do not intubate
- DNR – Do not resuscitate
- DOA – Dead on arrival
- DPL – Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.