Triage for trauma
Definitions
[edit | edit source]- Triage is the process by which injured patients are sorted to ensure that each has timely access to the appropriate level of care based on medical need and availability of resources
- Multiple casualties - does not exceed ability of treating facility to render care
- Mass casualty - DOES exceed capability of facility and staff
- Treat those with the greatest chance of survival and requiring the least expenditure of time/resources first
Simple triage and rapid treatment
[edit | edit source]- First responders rapidly assess victims in 30-60 seconds
- Triage tag placed to guide subsequent helpers
- Colours:
- Black - expectant - pain medication only until death
- Red - immediate - life-threatening injuries
- Yellow - delayed - non-life-threatening injuries
- Green - minimal - minor injuries