Derived from the French word “trier,” triage means to separate or sort out. This is how triage status works: in a multi-casualty situation, each individual patient undergoes a brief examination by a specially trained EMS provider, who will determine the apparent severity of the injury or illness. A patient who has a potentially life-threatening condition would obviously receive a higher treatment priority than someone with a sprained ankle or broken finger. Show
Emergency Triage Color CodingAfter a triage assessment is completed, a label called a triage tag is placed on the patient. The triage tag identifies the patient and includes information about his or her condition and need for treatment. The triage tag is sometimes color-coded so that a quick glance can give care providers an immediate indication of the triage prioritization. The triage tag is also used to track the patient’s progress through the triage process. There are four color-coded triage tags that identify the condition and current treatment requirements of the victim:
How Are Triage Assessments Performed?When a mass casualty incident occurs, the responsibility to perform a triage assessment typically rests on the shoulders of the emergency responders. The mass casualty triage assessment process can be extremely challenging for multiple reasons. There could be dozens, or even hundreds, of people who need medical attention — many of the injuries are also likely to be of a complex nature. The high degree of chaos and confusion that is normally present at MCI scenes can further complicate the triage process. Because of the high volume of injuries or illnesses during an MCI, it is imperative that triage is administered as quickly as possible. A basic triage process for patient assessment is S.T.A.R.T., which stands for “simple triage and rapid treatment.” S.T.A.R.T. assessments encompass four areas:
During MCI triage, the victims are generally classified in one of three categories based on their apparent need for medical treatment: immediate, delayed or minor. How long should a triage assessment take? Because of the need to attend to as many individuals as possible in a short amount of time, the entire S.T.A.R.T. assessment should be completed in no more than 30 seconds. Triage Support SoftwareSharing information quickly is vital during a mass casualty incident. StatusNet911 software enables emergency medical personnel to promptly alert destination hospitals about the triage status of every incoming patient. This will allow physicians and nurses to prioritize the treatment needs of each patient and deliver the best possible care upon arrival. The health care facility can also provide timely information about the capacity they can handle for each of the different triage levels. StatusNet911 Software Can Be a Lifesaver During an MCIStatusNet911 EMS System Management software from DataTech911 can be an extremely valuable status management tool during an MCI. This user-friendly software solution can provide real-time information to emergency medical personnel regarding triage status. When patients arrive at the hospital or treatment facility, physicians and nurses will be able to provide the best possible care to each individual. StatusNet911 can also be essential for providing timely information to friends and family members regarding the condition of their loved ones. Learn more about how StatusNet911 can be an invaluable asset during the MCI triage process. Topics
Which victim should be tagged delayed or yellow?RED: (Immediate) severe injuries but high potential for survival with treatment; taken to collection point first. YELLOW: (Delayed) serious injuries but not immediately life-threatening.
What does black tag mean?Black tags: Used for the deceased and for those whose injuries are so extensive that they will not be able to survive given the care that is available.
Which patient should receive a black triage tag?Green Triage Tag (“Minimal” or T3 or Priority 3): Patients with minor injuries who will eventually require treatment; Black Triage Tag (“Expectant” or No Priority): Patients who are either dead or who have such extensive injuries that they can not be saved with the limited resources available.
What are the 4 categories of triage?The injured people are placed in four urgent (red), emergency (yellow), delayed (green) and non-salvageable (black) classes.
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