Question

Module 03 Discussion -Triage

Triage involves the rapid assessment and prioritization of patients. Compare the three-tiered system of triage to the Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) triage philosophy. Imagine that you are the Triage Nurse during an MCI. How will you categorize the following patients using the MCI triage philosophy? Explain your answer. Are there any ethical issues that should be considered?

10-year-old boy with massive head injury, no spontaneous breathing, BP 60 palp

22-year-old female with a close fracture of the left arm

60-year-old male with a laceration in the leg complaining of shortness of breath

15-year-old girl with glass embedded in the eyes

52-year-old male with a pulse of 30 and a blood pressure of 70/30

Answer 1

Triage is the process of sorting out the victims according to their present health conditions. It includes 4 colour codes. They are:
• Red: Patients to be transported immediately.
• Yellow: Patients who need urgent treatment, but can wait for sometime.
• Green: Patients with non-life-threatening injuries.
• Black or grey: Patients who are dead.
In the given scenario, the triage nurse will categorize the patients as follows:
• Red: 10 year old boy with massive head injury, no spontaneous breathing, BP 60 palp, 60 year old male with a laceration in the leg complaining of shortness of breath, 52 year old male with pulse of 30 and a blood pressure of 70/30.
• Yellow: 15 year old girl with glass embedded in the eyes.
• Green: 22 year old female with a close fracture of the left arm.