How to Perform Triage

Triage is the process by which medical professionals categorize injuries in order of severity during emergency situations. The idea behind the concept is to increase the chances of survival for the most people possible by allocating resources to those individuals with treatable injuries. The evaluation is performed by senior medical staff to further increase the probability of proper assessments where the wrong prognosis could be the difference between life and death.

Instructions

Assess the Environmental Factors

• 1

  Determine if the treatment can be done in the immediate area or if the injured must be moved because of environmental danger.

• 2

  Count the number of people needing treatment and record the location of the injured.

• 3

  Assess the severity of the injuries.

• 4

  Determine the type of assistance possible. This can be first aid, self-aid or buddy care.

• 5

  List the potential types of evacuation vehicles available if necessary, such as ambulances and helicopters.

Sort the Injured Into Priority Levels

• 6

  Categorize individuals at risk of loss of life, limb or eyesight without care as "Immediate." This is the highest level and requires immediate attention.

• 7

  Categorize individuals with less risk of dying or losing a limb and/or eyesight as "Delayed."

• 8

  Categorize those who can move about under their own power or with little help as "Minimal." These individuals can self-aid or "buddy-aid" with little risk.

• 9

  Categorize those with injuries that would require prolonged medical attention to have any chance of survival as "Expectant." This is the lowest priority because of the probability of survival. If the evaluating doctor has any doubts, these individuals should be passed to one of the other categories.

• 10

  Attend to the injured in order of the above categorizations. Those who require movement to other locations or facilities should be moved in the same order of priority.