Mass casualty Flashcards
Categories of triage?
(a) Number of injured
(b) Available resources
(c) Nature and extent of injurie(s)
(d) Change in patient’s condition
(e) Hostile threat in the area
Multiple casualty definition/
The number of patients and the severities of their injuries DO NOT exceed the resources and capabilities.
Mass casualty definition?
The number of patients and the severities of their injuries DO exceed the resources and capabilities.
Are there adequate resources in multiple casualties?
Yes
Adequate resources?
Resources include time, equipment, personnel and tactical situation as it relates to the number of patients. In the event of a multi-casualty incident where there are adequate resources, rapidly identify patient needs and match the correct resources.
Limited resources?
During a mass casualty situation where resources are limited, the goal is to identify patient needs and then to distribute the resources in a manner that provides the best care for the most possible patients.
5 principles to triage?
(1) Degree of life threat posed by the injuries sustained
(2) . Injury severity
(3) Salvageability
(4) Resources
(5) Time, distance, and environment
What does DIME stand for with regards to triage categories?
- Delayed
- Immediate
- Minimal
- Expectant
What is immediate?
Needs lifesaving interventions within minutes up to 2 hours on arrival to avoid death or major disability.
What is Delayed:
Requires medical attention but CAN wait.
(a) Includes those who may require a surgical procedure, but whose delay in surgical treatment will not endanger the life, limb, or eyesight of a patient.
(b) Sustaining treatment will be required such as IV fluids, splinting, administration of antibiotics, pain relief.
What is minimal?
Can be treated with selfaid, buddy air, and corpsman aid.
(a) Often referred to as “walking wounded.”
What is expectant?
Require complicated treatments that may not improve life expectancy.
(a) Even if they are the sole casualty with the optimal resources their survival would still be unlikely.
1) Massive Hemorrhage
2) Airway obstructions or potential compromise, including potential complications from facial burns or anaphylaxis
3) Tension pneumothorax
4) Penetrating chest wound WITH respiratory distress
5) Torso, neck, or pelvis injuries WITH shock
6) Head injuries requiring emergent decompression
7) Threatened loss of limb
8) Retrobulbar hematoma (threat to loss of sight)
9) Multiple extremity amputations
Immediate
1) Soft tissue injuries without significant bleeding.
2) Fractures
3) Compartment syndrome
4) Intra-abdominal and/or thoracic wounds
5) Moderate to severe burns with less than 20% of total body surface area
6) Blunt or penetrating torso injuries without the signs of shock
7) Facial fractures without airway compromise
Delayed
1) Minor burns, lacerations, contusions, sprains and strains.
2) Simple, closed fractures without neurovascular compromise.
3) Combat stress reaction.
Minimal
