Patient Triage & Risk

Triaging a patient means assessing the severity of their condition. After an accident or injury has taken place, on-the-scene responders, such as paramedics, triage victims before they are taken to the hospital. Triage technology expedites this process so that patients can receive medical attention faster.

About

• In May 2007 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security disclosed that they are developing a new triaging technology known as the Standoff Patient Triage Tool (SPTT), which is said to revolutionize the medical field. The SPTT will make it possible for on-the-scene responders, nurses and doctors in medical centers to triage a patient from five to 40 feet away.

Function

• The SPTT is designed to perform physiological readings, including temperature, respiration and pulse, of people in far distances. Using Laser Doppler Vibrometry (a system that has been used in radar technology and landmine detection), the SPTT will be able to pick up on vibrating objects, which will signal whether or not there are injury and accident survivors.

Significance

• The Department of Homeland Security says that currently, responders have to bend over a patient and take their vitals manually, which takes three to five minutes per person. A rapid triage process decreases the risk of further damage by allowing patients and victims to get medical attention faster. In serious situations, every second counts and the SPTT can save lives.