What does the term "triage" originate from?

The term "triage" originates from the French word that means "to sort" or "to choose." This relates directly to the process of triage in emergency medical situations, where healthcare providers evaluate patients to prioritize their treatment based on the severity of their conditions. The concept encapsulates the need for rapid assessment and decision-making, especially in scenarios where multiple patients require attention, as in mass casualty events. Understanding this origin helps clarify the goal of triage: to efficiently organize care to save as many lives as possible by addressing the most critical cases first.