What is the main difference between primary and secondary triage?

The primary difference between primary and secondary triage lies in their respective focus and depth of assessment in the context of emergency situations. Primary triage is designed to quickly assess patients to determine their immediate medical needs and prioritize treatment based on the severity of their condition. This initial assessment is rapid, allowing responders to quickly identify who needs urgent care, often using simple visual indicators and basic assessment criteria.

On the other hand, secondary triage occurs after patients have been stabilized or during a more in-depth assessment phase. This process involves a more thorough evaluation of a patient's condition, gathering detailed medical history, and considering additional factors to determine further treatment needs and resource allocation.

This systematic approach allows emergency responders to manage resources effectively while ensuring patients receive appropriate and timely care. Therefore, the emphasis on speed in primary triage contrasted with the detailed evaluation in secondary triage highlights their distinct roles in emergency management.