CHAPTER 4: TRIAGE BASICS
CHAPTER 4: TRIAGE BASICS
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Statement of purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive outline of the physiological predictors underpinning the allocation of urgency using the Australasian Triage Scale( ATS).
Learning outcomes
After completing this chapter, participants will be able to describe the process of triage assessment and identify the clinically important factors influencing the allocation of a triage code using the ATS.
Learning objectives
1. Describe triage assessment techniques under the following headings:( a) Environmental hazards( b) General appearance( c) Airway( d) Breathing( e) Circulation( f) Disability( g) Environment.
2. Differentiate predictors of poor outcome from other data collected during the triage assessment.
3. Identify patients who have evidence of or are at high risk of physiological instability. 4. Assign an appropriate ATS category in response to clinical assessment data.
Key points
• Identifying and managing risks to self, patients and the environment is the first principle of safe triage practice.
• First impressions of general appearance should always be considered when making a triage decision.
• Always ask the question‘ Does this person look sick?’
• The primary survey approach is used to identify and correct life-threatening conditions at triage.
• Other conditions in which timely intervention may significantly influence outcomes( such as thrombolysis, an antidote or management of acid or alkali splash to eye) must also be detected at triage.
• Timely access to emergency care can improve patient outcomes.
• Early identification of physiological abnormality at triage can inform focused ongoing medical assessment and investigation.
Department of Health and Ageing – Emergency Triage Education Kit