How to Triage Injuries

The word "triage" originated from the French word "Trier" which means "to sort out." When a person triages injuries, he basically sorts injuries based on severity. You can follow the steps below to do basic triage in an emergency situation; however, you should always yield to medical and rescue professionals when they are present.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Memorize the ABC's of Basic Life Support now. The A stands for "airway." The B stands for "breathing." Lastly, the C stands for "circulation."

2. Start triage by assessing the person's airway. Place your ear over the patients mouth and listen for breathing. If you hear breathing move on to the next step. If you do not hear any breathing, check the mouth for an obstruction. If there is an obstruction, the patient needs immediate medical attention from a medical professional.

3. Assess the person's breathing. This can be done without a stethoscope by placing your ear to the person's chest. If you hear breathing move to the next step. If you don't hear breathing, then the person is in need of immediate medical attention.

4. Evaluate the person's circulation by feeling the wrist or neck for a pulse. If you get a pulse, move to the next step. If there is no pulse, get the person immediate medical attention.

5. Look to see if the person is bleeding. If there is bleeding, try to pack the site with bandages or any cloth and then apply pressure. Use sterile bandages when available.

6. Go to the next injured person once you have assessed and assisted the first person. Repeat the assessment steps.

7. Wait for medical attention to arrive. While waiting reassess injuries regularly. Seek medical attention for the most severely injured or moderately injured people first.

Tips & Warnings

• If you come to a person who has no breathing and you cannot hear a heartbeat or feel a pulse, then it is likely that the person has died. You should move on to another injured person who you are more likely to be able to help.
• If you witnessed the event, remain near to the scene. Medical and rescue professionals may need you to answer questions.

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