Triaje, salvar vidas en catástrofes, atentados o accidentes masivos

Summary

In this video, Dr. Bueno explains the concept of triage and the START protocol used in mass casualty situations, such as train or bus accidents. Triage is a system that helps medical staff prioritize patients when resources are limited. The START protocol classifies victims into four categories: green (walking, minor injuries), yellow (serious but stable), red (critical, immediate care needed), and black (dead or dying). Dr. Bueno emphasizes the importance of acting quickly, staying calm, and efficiently classifying patients to save the greatest number of lives in emergencies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Triage is a method used by medical teams in mass casualty situations to quickly assess and prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition.
• 😀 The START Protocol (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) is a quick, efficient method to classify patients into four categories: red, yellow, green, and black.
• 😀 In mass casualty situations, the available medical resources are limited, so it is essential to make quick decisions to save the maximum number of lives.
• 😀 The first step in the START protocol is to check if the patient can walk. If they can, they are classified as green (minor injuries).
• 😀 If the patient cannot walk, the next step is to check if they are breathing. If not, attempt to open their airway.
• 😀 A patient who starts breathing after having their airway opened is classified as red (critical and needs immediate care).
• 😀 If a patient cannot breathe even after airway opening, they are classified as black (deceased or beyond help).
• 😀 If the patient is breathing, check their respiratory rate. If it exceeds 30 breaths per minute, they are classified as red (urgent treatment needed).
• 😀 If the respiratory rate is less than 30, check the patient's pulse. A present pulse means the patient should be classified as yellow (can wait for treatment).
• 😀 The four color-coded categories in triage are: red (critical), yellow (delayed care), green (minor injuries), and black (deceased).
• 😀 During triage, it’s crucial to stay calm, focus on the most critical patients, and organize treatment effectively to maximize survival in chaotic situations.

Q & A

What is triage, and why is it important in mass casualty situations?

Triage is the method used by medical and emergency personnel to assess and prioritize patients in mass casualty situations, where the number of victims exceeds the available resources. It helps categorize patients based on the severity of their conditions to ensure the most urgent cases receive immediate treatment.

What does the term 'START' stand for in the context of triage?

START stands for 'Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment'. It is a triage protocol designed to classify victims quickly and effectively in mass casualty events, ensuring that those in need of urgent care receive it as soon as possible.

How does the START protocol categorize patients?

The START protocol classifies patients into four categories: green (walking patients with minor injuries), yellow (patients who need care but can wait), red (patients with severe injuries requiring immediate attention), and black (patients who are either deceased or beyond help).

What are the first two actions taken when arriving at a mass casualty scene under the START protocol?

The first two actions are to open the airways for patients who are not breathing and to stop any major bleeding. These interventions are simple, quick, and crucial for saving lives.

What are the criteria for categorizing a patient as 'red' under the START protocol?

A patient is categorized as 'red' if they are not breathing but can be revived by opening their airway, or if they are breathing rapidly (more than 30 breaths per minute) and require immediate medical attention.

What is the purpose of checking the radial pulse in the START protocol?

The radial pulse is checked to assess the patient’s circulation. If the pulse is present, the patient’s consciousness level is evaluated, and if absent, efforts are made to control bleeding and the patient is categorized as red for immediate care.

Why is the pulse rate considered more reliable than capillary refill time in certain triage situations?

The radial pulse is considered more reliable than capillary refill because it can be checked quickly and easily on the scene. Capillary refill time may not be visible in situations with dirt, burns, amputations, or cold weather.

What happens if a patient does not respond to simple commands under the START protocol?

If a patient does not respond to simple commands, they are categorized as red and receive immediate treatment. This step ensures that critical patients are not overlooked.

What is the role of a 'green' patient in a mass casualty situation?

A 'green' patient is one who is walking, has minor injuries, and does not need immediate treatment. These patients can often assist in helping others and are directed to a secondary treatment area.

What is the overall goal of the START protocol during mass casualty incidents?

The primary goal of the START protocol is to quickly classify and prioritize patients to ensure that those with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care, while others are directed to appropriate treatment based on their needs.