During a mass casualty incident, what is the main purpose of triage?

The primary purpose of triage during a mass casualty incident is to prioritize treatment based on the severity of injuries. In situations where the number of patients exceeds the available resources, EMTs must quickly assess individuals to determine who requires immediate attention and who can wait. This systematic approach ensures that those who are critically injured receive timely care that can potentially save their lives, while others with less severe injuries are treated afterward.

Triage is essential in managing limited resources effectively, allowing healthcare providers to focus their efforts on patients with the highest need. This not only improves survival rates but also optimizes the overall response to the incident. By quickly categorizing patients into different urgency levels, EMTs can streamline the treatment and transport processes, ensuring a more organized and effective response during chaotic situations.