Life-threatening but SURVIVABLE with immediate intervention
Criteria: Breathing only after airway repositioned · Respirations >30/min · Capillary refill >2s · Unable to follow commands
Priority 2
🟡 YELLOW — Delayed
Serious injuries but CAN wait for RED patients to be treated
Criteria: Breathing present · Radial pulse present · Follows commands · But has significant injuries
Priority 3
🟢 GREEN — Minor
"Walking wounded" — Minor injuries, can walk to treatment
Criteria: Can walk · No life-threatening injuries · Minor cuts, sprains, bruising
Priority 0
⚫ BLACK — Expectant
Deceased or injuries incompatible with survival given available resources
Criteria: No respirations after airway opening · No pulse · Obvious fatal injuries
The START (Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment) method assesses each patient in under 30 seconds. Walk through steps 1→4:
1
Can the patient walk?
Ask the patient to walk to a designated area. Walking wounded are categorised GREEN regardless of injury type.
✅ YES → 🟢 GREEN (P3)
❌ NO → Step 2
2
Is the patient breathing?
Reposition airway if needed (head tilt-chin lift). Count respirations for 30 seconds × 2. Rate > 30/min = RED.
✅ Breathing → Step 3
❌ Not breathing → ⚫ BLACK
3
Check radial pulse / capillary refill
Press fingernail until white, release — should pink back in <2 seconds. Or check radial pulse at wrist. Absent / slow = RED.
✅ Present / <2s → Step 4
❌ Absent / >2s → 🔴 RED
4
Can patient follow commands?
Ask: "Open your eyes. Squeeze my hand." Simple two-part command. Inability to follow = RED.
✅ YES → 🟡 YELLOW (P2)
❌ NO → 🔴 RED (P1)
⚠️ For information only. Real triage must be performed by trained medical personnel. This app is for educational preparedness, not to replace professional medical care. Call 10177 for ambulance.
0
🔴 RED
0
🟡 YELLOW
0
🟢 GREEN
0
⚫ BLACK
➕ Add Patient
Triage colour:
🔴
🟡
🟢
⚫
RED
IMMEDIATE
Priority 1 — Immediate Treatment
Treat immediately. Life-threatening injuries that are survivable with urgent care.