48.2 MCI & Triage

What does MCI stand for?

Mass-Casualty Incident

What defines a mass-casualty incident?

When patient number/severity overwhelms available resources

What is a multiple-casualty incident?

Multiple patients but resources are still adequate

What is the primary goal of triage?

To do the greatest good for the greatest number

What are the four main triage categories?

Immediate, Delayed, Minor, Expectant

What is primary triage?

Rapid initial categorization of patients

What is secondary triage?

Reassessment of patients after initial triage

Why is retriaging necessary?

Patient conditions and resources change over time

What are START and JumpSTART used for?

Triage during mass-casualty incidents

What is JumpSTART specifically used for?

Pediatric patients under 8 years or under 100 pounds

What does SALT stand for in triage?

Sort, Assess, Lifesaving interventions, Treatment/Transport

What is the first step in START triage?

Call out and direct walking wounded to a safe area

How are nonambulatory patients assessed in START?

Respirations, perfusion, and mental status

What indicates an immediate patient in START?

RR > 30, absent radial pulse, or altered mental status

What should be done for a non-breathing child with a pulse in JumpSTART?

Open airway and give 5 rescue breaths

What is the purpose of triage tags?

Categorize and track patients

What are characteristics of triage tags?

Color-coded, weatherproof, easy to read

What is the role of the triage unit leader?

Counts and prioritizes patients

What is the role of the treatment unit?

Provides care after triage

What is the role of the transport unit leader?

Coordinates patient destination and transport

What is the role of the medical branch supervisor?

Oversees triage, treatment, and transport

What is the role of the staging area manager?

Organizes incoming resources

What must be done before treatment begins?

All patients must be triaged

What determines destination decisions?

Patient condition and facility capability

What should be done with walking wounded patients?

Move to safe area and treat last

What should be done with expectant patients?

Treat after all salvageable patients

What should be done with injured responders?

Treat as immediate priority

What is the role of hazmat teams in triage?

Ensure decontamination before medical triage

What is the importance of patient tracking?

Ensures identification and continuity of care