In emergency management, what does the term "triage" refer to?

The term "triage" refers to the process of prioritizing patients for treatment based on the severity of their injuries. In emergency management and medical settings, triage is a critical function that helps ensure that those who are most in need of urgent medical care receive it first. This is especially important in situations where resources are limited, such as during mass casualty incidents or disasters, as it allows medical personnel to effectively allocate their efforts to save the greatest number of lives.

In the triage process, patients are often categorized into different groups based on the urgency of their medical needs, typically ranging from those who require immediate attention to those whose injuries might allow for delayed treatment without life-threatening consequences. This systematic approach ensures that healthcare providers can focus their immediate resources effectively and manage the overall response more efficiently.