Triage
Mission
The triage function takes incoming casualties and sorts them into immediate (T1), delayed (T2), minimal (T3), and expectant (T4) categories — and, in MASCAL or evolving conditions, re-triages dynamically as the picture changes. The triage decision routes the casualty to STP/DCR, FRSS/DCS, Holding, EVAC, or Mortuary Affairs.
The triage officer is the most experienced clinician available, not necessarily the most senior. Triage is a clinical decision under tactical constraints; it is not an administrative one.
Personnel & Task Organization
- Triage officer: identified and announced to the team and to Command. Authority to direct casualty disposition is the triage officer’s during the event.
- Triage corpsmen: support documentation, dressings, vitals, and movement.
- Documentation lead: every triaged casualty has a tag and an entry on the tracking board before leaving the triage area.
- Security: managing access to the casualty arrival corridor.
Equipment & Logistics
- Triage tags (TCCC card / DD 1380 or local equivalent), in volume.
- Hard surfaces and lighting.
- Communications to STP, FRSS, Holding, and EVAC.
- Casualty collection point (CCP) marked and accessible.
- Litter handling capability.
- A visible, current tracking board.
Doctrinal References
- MCRP 4-11.1G
- JTS CPG: Triage of Casualties
- JTS CPG: Damage Control Resuscitation (initial framing)
- TCCC Guidelines (CoTCCC, 25 Jan 2024)
Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Triage of Casualties (JTS CPG).
- MASCAL plan annex.
- MEDROE matrix for special populations.
Decision Points
| Casualty pattern | Disposition |
|---|---|
| Hemodynamically unstable, surgically correctable | STP/DCR for resuscitation, then FRSS/DCS |
| Hemodynamically unstable, non-surgical | STP/DCR; reassess; consider expectant if not improving |
| Hemodynamically stable, surgical indication | Direct to FRSS/DCS or to STP/DCR briefly first per local protocol |
| Hemodynamically stable, non-surgical, not requiring R2 capability | Direct EVAC |
| Minor injury, return to duty likely | T3 — minimal; treat and release or return |
| Catastrophic injury beyond local capability under MASCAL conditions | T4 — expectant; comfort care |
| Deceased | Mortuary Affairs |
Re-triage at any change in number of incoming casualties or in the team’s capacity.
MEDROE considerations. Special populations (host-nation civilians, pediatrics, EPWs) follow command-published MEDROE. The triage officer enforces MEDROE; the triage officer does not write MEDROE.
Linked ELOs
| TLO | ELO | Primary or Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare to Receive | PR-5 (MEDROE — special populations) | Primary |
| Prepare to Receive | PR-11 (MASCAL plan execution) | Primary |
| Trauma Integration | TI-6 (patient tracking initiation) | Primary |
| Clinical Ops | CO-14 (clinical decision-making in austere environment) | Primary |
| Team Development | TD-7 (ethics — expectant management) | Primary |
Forms & Documentation
- TCCC card (DD 1380) or local triage tag equivalent.
- MASCAL/Austere Team Resuscitation Record.
- Re-triage log when used.
Reference Imagery
Last reviewed: • OPSEC reviewed: