What does the term "triage" mean?

The term "triage" refers specifically to the process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their conditions. This is crucial in emergency situations where medical resources are limited, as it allows healthcare providers to quickly identify which patients require immediate attention and which can wait. Triage helps ensure that those with the most critical injuries or life-threatening conditions receive care first, ultimately increasing the chances of survival and positive outcomes in a high-pressure environment.

In practice, triage involves assessing patients and categorizing them based on the urgency of their medical needs, which can significantly impact the efficiency of emergency response efforts. While other options mention related concepts such as treating injuries, assessing vital signs, or transporting patients, they do not capture the primary focus of triage, which is the prioritization of care based on severity.