Triage Standards

Triaging is a vital part of providing accurate and efficient medical attention to patients who have suffered from accidents, injuries or the onset of sudden illnesses. Consequently, triage standards are used to ensure that the clinician triaging the patient knows what to ask, what to evaluate and does not leave anything out.

Communication

It is important for clinicians to attempt communication with patients. If patients are unresponsive, or are unable to remember their name or where they are, this will become a red flag that tells the clinician that the patient needs urgent medical attention.

Vitals

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, field responders and inpatient clinicians must take patients' vitals as part of the triage process. Specifically, they must check the patient's breathing, pulse, temperature and blood pressure.

Physical Evaluation

Once the vitals are taken, the next standard in triaging is to evaluate the patient's physical form. If a victim of an accident, fire or other tragedy is being triaged, the clinician works from the head down and determines if there have been any injuries to the head, face, neck, back, stomach, arms or legs.

References

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: To Boldly Go Where No Medical Response Has Gone Before