What is the main purpose of triage in the CareFlite Protocol?

The primary purpose of triage in the CareFlite Protocol is to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition and their need for immediate care. This process is crucial because it ensures that those who require urgent medical attention are treated first and receive the necessary resources promptly. By effectively assessing and categorizing patients, healthcare providers can manage limited resources efficiently, which is vital in high-demand situations.

While allocating resources for waiting patients is an important aspect of the overall system, it does not capture the critical function of assessing patient conditions and determining the urgency of their needs, which is central to triage. Similarly, managing patient expectations during transport or assigning specific transport vehicles can be relevant, but these tasks are secondary to the primary goal of determining which patients need immediate assistance. This prioritization directly affects clinical outcomes and ensures that patients with the most urgent needs receive care in a timely manner.