Medical Triage

What Is Medical Triage?

Medical triage is the systematic sorting of sick or injured patients based on acuity and resource requirements — using protocols like START, SALT, or ESI — to prioritize immediate life-saving care over non-critical injuries.

Why Medical Triage Matters on the Fireground

When patient count exceeds medical resources at a disaster scene or busy emergency department, unguided treatment leads to preventable deaths. Medical triage ensures that patients with time-sensitive conditions (airway compromise, severe bleeding) receive care first.

Relevant NFPA Standards

• NREMT Standards: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Practice Standards
• NFPA 455: Standard for Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Field Procedures & Tactical Steps

1. Establish a designated Triage Officer to lead scene sorting before initiating treatment.
2. Call out for walking wounded to move to a designated collection area (Green tag).
3. Assess remaining patients for RPM (Respirations, Perfusion, Mental status).
4. Attach color-coded triage tags (Red = Immediate, Yellow = Delayed, Green = Minor, Black = Deceased).
5. Re-triage patients at regular intervals as clinical status can rapidly change.

Common Context & Application

Executed at mass casualty incidents, disaster scenes, hospital emergency department waiting rooms, and multi-vehicle crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Triage