What is the primary purpose of the START triage method in disaster response?

What is the primary purpose of the START triage method in disaster response?

• A. To guide hospital bed allocation
• B. To prioritize on-scene triage and evacuation
• C. To schedule surgical theater use
• D. To determine casualty compensation

Answer: (B)

START triage is meant to quickly determine the priority of each casualty at the disaster scene so responders can focus on those who need immediate life-saving care and organize rapid evacuation. In mass casualty events, resources are limited, so the goal is to sort people fast into priority groups and move them toward appropriate care without delaying treatment for the most severely injured. This on-scene triage and evacuation decision-making is distinct from hospital bed allocation, surgical scheduling, or casualty compensation, which occur later in the care continuum. START uses simple, rapid checks—breathing after opening the airway, perfusion or pulse, and mental status—to categorize patients as immediate, delayed, minor, or deceased/expectant, guiding who is treated first and who is transported first.

START triage is meant to quickly determine the priority of each casualty at the disaster scene so responders can focus on those who need immediate life-saving care and organize rapid evacuation. In mass casualty events, resources are limited, so the goal is to sort people fast into priority groups and move them toward appropriate care without delaying treatment for the most severely injured. This on-scene triage and evacuation decision-making is distinct from hospital bed allocation, surgical scheduling, or casualty compensation, which occur later in the care continuum. START uses simple, rapid checks—breathing after opening the airway, perfusion or pulse, and mental status—to categorize patients as immediate, delayed, minor, or deceased/expectant, guiding who is treated first and who is transported first.