At the scene of a multiple-casualty incident, you are triaging a patient using the Simple Triage and Rapid Transport (START) system. You are presented with a patient who is not breathing. Which one of the following should you do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first step in the START triage system is to assess the patient's ability to breathe. If the patient is not breathing, the rescuer should immediately open the airway using head tilt-chin lift or jaw thrust maneuvers, and reassess breathing. Only after the airway is open, should the patient be triaged using the appropriate tag color based on other factors such as perfusion, mental status, and mobility. Positive pressure ventilation may be necessary, but only after the airway is open and breathing is reassessed. Placing a black tag on the patient is not appropriate, as this is reserved for patients who are not expected to survive even with treatment.

At the Scene of a Multiple-Casualty Incident, You Are Triaging