What does "triage" refer to in EMS?

Triage is a critical process in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) that involves assessing and prioritizing patients according to the severity of their conditions. When multiple patients are involved, especially in situations such as mass-casualty incidents, not all can receive immediate care. Triage helps ensure that those who need urgent medical attention receive it promptly. In this context, a trained provider evaluates each patient's status, checking factors like consciousness, breathing, and circulation, to determine the urgency of their treatment needs. This method is essential in optimizing outcomes during emergencies, as it guides responders in making immediate decisions about who to treat first based on the most critical needs, thereby minimizing the chances of preventable deaths and serious complications.