What does START stand for in the context of triage?

START stands for Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment, which is a system designed to quickly assess and categorize patients in a mass casualty incident. The primary goal of START is to prioritize patients based on the severity of their injuries, allowing responders to allocate limited resources effectively.

In this context, the "Simple" aspect of START indicates that the process is straightforward and can be performed quickly, which is crucial in emergency situations where time is of the essence. The "Triage" part refers to the method of sorting patients based on their needs, and "Rapid Treatment" highlights the necessity to provide immediate care to those who need it most urgently.

This approach enables emergency medical personnel to distinguish between patients who require immediate medical attention and those who can wait for care or may not survive. By focusing on a simple yet effective method, START allows for a more organized and efficient response during critical situations, maximizing the chances of survival for those who are most in need.