What is the role of a triage officer in a mass-casualty incident?

The role of a triage officer in a mass-casualty incident is to prioritize patient treatment based on the severity of their injuries. This function is critical in a situation where medical resources are limited and many individuals are in need of care simultaneously. By assessing each patient's condition quickly, the triage officer can categorize victims into groups that indicate the urgency of their treatment needs, often using color-coded systems or specific criteria (such as the START triage system). This allows healthcare providers to focus their efforts effectively, ensuring that those who need immediate attention receive it first, potentially saving lives.

Psychological support for victims, directing rescue operations, and collecting patient information, while important, are not the primary responsibilities of the triage officer during a chaotic mass-casualty scenario. The focus is primarily on medical assessment and prioritization to facilitate a swift and organized response to the crisis.