Inside this issue Mission Statement Aims and Objectives The Year 1998 Annual Exercise Victoria Flood Management Strategy 5th Annual Australian Medical Disaster Coordination Group (AMDCG) Meeting Chemical, Biological, Radiation (CBR) Workshop First Aid Initiative Triage Labels   Contact Information

Triage Labels The process for 'triage', or the sorting of casualties in accordance with injury or condition, allows treatment to be matched with available resources and prioritises the requirement for transport of casualties to appropriate treatment centres in accordance with treatment needs. The triage process is on going - it may be performed several times before casualties are admitted to an appropriate hospital. It provides the opportunity for medical staff to address factors which may not have been apparent in earlier medical assessments, and allows for upgrading (or downgrading) casualties priority for transport. The following Victorian triage label example will help agencies supporting Medical Displan to understand the principles behind the use of the different colours shown on the triage label. Green Label Walking wounded, psychologically wounded. Minor injuries but capable of walking Hospital admission unlikely. OR Uninjured but psychologically damaged. Urgent counselling required. Black Label For the dead. Medical officer must certify death on card. Body the responsibility of Police/Coroners Office. Top Priority Severely injured, in need of urgent medical care. Urgent, quick, simple, minimal treatment. Stabilise prior to transportation.   2nd Priority Significant injuries - condition can wait.   2nd Priority Black stripe to be added by Triage Officer. Extensive medical care will jeopardise survival of other casualties.   Reverse No: Patient loading Number (for ambulance management) Time: First triage Treatment given Reasons for delay: (2nd priority only) Injuries: Name: (if known)