In light of the horrific mass casualty attack in Orlando, here is a review of the medical triage system for mass casualty events.
Thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and all those affected.
Triage is used to determine who is most urgently in need of transport to a hospital (i.e. chance of survival, would otherwise expire without immediate treatment).
Red (immediate) – cannot survive w/o immediate care but has chance of survival
Yellow (observation) – stable currently, not in immediate danger of death, requires observation and possible re-triage later
Green (wait) – “walking wounded”; will need care after more critical patients addressed
White (dismiss) – minor injuries; doctor’s care not required
Black (expectant) – deceased or with survivable injuries
