What does "triage" mean in the context of an emergency situation?

In the context of an emergency situation, triage refers specifically to the process of assessing and prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions and the urgency of their medical needs. This is crucial in scenarios where resources, such as medical personnel and equipment, may be limited. The goal of triage is to ensure that those who need immediate care receive it as quickly as possible, thereby improving outcomes, especially in mass casualty incidents or disasters.

Triage operates under the principle that not all patients require the same level of immediate attention. For instance, those with life-threatening injuries are prioritized over those with less severe conditions. This systematic approach allows EMTs and medical personnel to effectively manage care in critical situations, enhancing patient survival rates and overall success of treatment efforts.