|
Overview :
Llewellyn
described the simplified triage used by the military in combat conditions. The
nature of triage in combat often differs from that seen in civilian situations.
The author is from the Uniformed
Services University
of the Health Sciences in Bethesda,
Maryland.
|
Features
|
Triage
Category
|
|
ambulatory
with superficial wounds that can be treated in the field
|
minimal
|
|
requires field
treatment with evacuation to field or base hospital
|
serious
|
|
dying with
injuries incompatible with life despite maximal therapy; surgery futile
(hopelessly wounded)
|
expectant
|
|
Serious Casualties
|
Triage
Category
|
|
life-threatening
injuries requiring resuscitation and a life-saving procedure immediately on
arrival; after initial care patient may undergo further surgery or be triaged
to a less serious category
|
urgent
|
|
life-threatening
injuries that require surgery within 2 hours of arrival at the hospital;
temporarily stable while being evaluated and prepared for surgery
|
immediate
|
|
wounds not
immediately life-threatening; a delay in surgery will not compromise care
|
delayed
|
where:
• A serious-delayed
patient might be viewed as moderate to severe.
Features of
military triage:
(1) frequently mass casualty events, with
inflow coming in waves
(2) most soldiers are relatively young
and healthy, without chronic comorbid conditions and without intoxication
(3) many soldiers suffer from exposure,
dehydration, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition
(4) wounds in modern combat are often
multiple and diverse in nature (burns, blast, complex munitions, crush, blunt,
chemical) with environmental contamination
(5) evacuation may be delayed
(6) litigation is not a primary concern
|