Triage

Process

Follow your ABCDE - Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Diagnosis, Exposure

  • Airway - Check Airway for any blockage
  • Breathing - Check for Breathing, irregular or normal
  • Circulation - Check for Pulse and Heart Rate
  • Diagnosis - Treatment of any visible injuries
  • Exposure - Watch for infection, disease, etc

Classifications

Green

Stable patients with minor injuries with little monitoring.

  • Twisted Ankle
  • Minor Cuts
  • Bruising (Walking Wounds)

Yellow

Concerning injuries but still stable, will likely need hospital.

  • Fractures
  • Deep Lacerations

Red

Critical, will need constant attention.

  • Multiple GSWs
  • Excessive Bleeding / Blood Loss
  • Low Vitals
  • 3rd/4th degree burns
  • Injuries that place a life in jeopardy/low or irregular vitals

Black

DOA, injuries are so bad they are already dead. Attempt resuscitation only one time to patients in this category

  • Decapitation
  • Missing Organs
  • Too much blood loss

Credit to the editor of this document

Codes and Alerts

Code Blue is the only recommended color code to be used with alerts. Plain Language Alerts have been recommended by multiple states to replace them.

Code Blue

No Pulse and No Breathing

  • Establish the criteria for a code blue
    • Airway is clear
    • Patient has no pulse
    • Patient is not breathing
    • No open chest wound
  • Start CPR
  • Remove clothing to allow access to chest
    • Ensure it is dry
  • Turn on the AED and attach the pads
  • Allow the machine to analyze the patient for a shockable rhythm
    • If no shockable rhythm, continue CPR
    • If shockable rhythm detected, start the AED
  • The AED will automatically deliver the appropriate energy levels for each shock.
  • After three attempts to shock the patient, transport to the hospital while continuing to do CPR if able.

Credit to the editor of this document