What does "triage" refer to in EMS?

Triage in EMS is fundamentally about determining treatment priorities among patients. This process is crucial, particularly in emergency situations where resources are limited and the urgency of care varies significantly among patients. During triage, responders assess patients based on severity of their conditions, which allows them to allocate limited medical resources to those who are in the most critical need of immediate attention. This system helps ensure that the most severely injured or ill patients receive care first, which can be a life-saving strategy in chaotic situations like mass casualty incidents.

The options that focus on treating all patients equally, transferring patients to hospitals, or documenting patient histories do not capture the essence of triage, which is all about prioritization based on medical need. Triage is not about equal treatment; rather, it's a strategic approach to managing patient care effectively under pressure.