Triage Flashcards
1
Q
Learning Objectives
A
- To define triage
- To see where triage fits into the care pathway of the trauma victim
- To differentiate between the 3 triage systems in use
- To understand triage in action
- To recognise the danger of under and over triage
2
Q
Define Triaging
A
- The sorting of casualties, and the assignment of treatment and evacuation priorities to the wounded, at each echelon of medical care.
- Get the right casualty to the right place at the right time, so they receive the optimum treatment available.
- To do the most for the most.
3
Q
Give a brief history of triaging
A
- Baron Dominique Jean Larrey
- 1766 – 1842
- Innovator in battlefield medicine and triage
- Wounded treated according to need, not rank or nationality
4
Q
When do you triage?
A
When the number of casualties exceeds the number of medical personnel or available resources
5
Q
How does timing play a role in triaging?
A
- Triaging is a dynamic process
- The state of the patient(s) may change
- Triage must be repeated when possible
6
Q
What is a triage sieve?
A
- Quickly sorts casualties into priorities
- Medics should use this system when dealing with more than one casualty
7
Q
List the triage priority criteria
A
- Priority 1: Immediate - Red
- Priority 2: Urgent - Yellow
- Priority 3: Delayed - Green
- Dead: Patients dead - Black/White
8
Q
Why should we take mobility into consideration when talking about triaging?
A
- Casualties who can walk are the easiest to prioritise
- Should all be categorised as P3
9
Q
Why should we take airway into consideration when talking about triaging?
A
- Assess the AIRWAY. Perform simple airway manoeuvres (Jaw Thrust, Chin Lift).
- Those who cannot breathe despite the simple manoeuvres are dead
10
Q
Why should we take breathing into consideration when it comes to triaging?
A
- Assess breathing rate:
- Unusually Low (<10) or High (>29) then casualty is P1
- I’d the rate is normal then an assessment of the circulation is carried out
11
Q
Why should we take circulation and neuro into consideration when it comes to triaging?
A
- Srop any obvious major haemorrhage
- Pulse and AVPU
- PU or pulse > 120/min -> T1
- AV and pulse <120/min -> T2
12
Q
Describe the triage sort system
A
- Standardised & evidence based
- Refines the identification of those pts requiring interventions
- Scores based on RR, BP, GCS
- Total score
- Priority 1,2,3
13
Q
Compare the Sieve vs Sort systems
A
14
Q
Summary
A
- Triage should be used when the number of casualties exceed the number of deaths
- Triage is a dynamic process, casualties can be moved up or down in priority at any time
- Use the triage sieve in the correct order
- Treat in order of priority
