What is the primary goal of disaster triage?

The primary goal of disaster triage is to maximize the number of survivors by effective resource allocation. In situations where a disaster occurs, the number of patients typically exceeds the available resources and medical personnel. Triage is the process used to prioritize treatment based on the severity of a patient's condition and the likelihood of survival. This means that the focus is on treating those patients who are most likely to benefit from immediate medical intervention, thereby increasing overall survival rates during mass casualty incidents.

In addition to individual patient assessments, disaster triage systematically allocates limited medical resources — such as personnel, equipment, and time — to ensure that help goes where it's most needed. This approach is crucial in emergency situations where rapid decision-making can significantly impact the outcome for many individuals, rather than only addressing those who may require immediate care regardless of their chances of survival. Effective disaster triage helps to ensure that resources are used efficiently and optimally in order to save the most lives.