Implementing a triage system in an emergency unit: a literature review
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Authors
Augustyn, J.E.
Hattingh, S.P.
Ehlers, V.J.
Issue Date
2007
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
accident and emergency care , Cape Triage Score , casualty incidents , history of triage , the Patients' Rigths Charter
Alternative Title
Abstract
Wars have laid the foundation on which today's triage is based. Triage is used during disasters, at accident scenes and in the trauma and emergency units of hospitals to sort
patients according to the acuity of their injuries/conditions and the type of care they require.
Nurses are usually the people who receive the patient first and who assess the priority of the patient's immediate needs. In addition, the nurse also intervenes by taking immediate action to prevent the deterioration of the patient's condition and/or to implement life-saving interventions.
Qualified, professional nurses are therefore required. The locations and equipment of the health care facility must suit patients' needs. Triage classification systems provide nurses with the
guidelines they need to judge the triaging of patients. The triage system is designed to enable
professional emergency personnel to take informed decisions and to reduce mortality and
morbidity rates among trauma cases.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Unisa Press
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1682 5055