START Triage

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START stands for Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment. It's a fast, straightforward method used by first responders (like firefighters, paramedics, or even trained volunteers) to quickly sort and prioritize injured people during a mass casualty incident (MCI)—think earthquakes, explosions, large accidents, or disasters where there are way more victims than helpers. The goal is simple: Do the greatest good for the greatest number of people when resources are limited. START lets you assess each person in about 30-60 seconds using basic checks—no fancy equipment needed! It was created in 1983 by the Newport Beach Fire Department and Hoag Hospital in California, and it's still the most widely used triage system in the United States (and many other places) as of 2026. There's also a version called JumpSTART for kids, but START is for adults (generally age 8+). The Four Color Categories (Triage Tags) START uses color-coded tags (or just areas/sections) to show priority: Red (Immediate): Life-threatening injuries—needs help right now! These people go first for treatment and transport. Yellow (Delayed): Serious injuries but can wait a bit (up to 1 hour or so)—they're stable enough to hold off. Green (Minimal / Walking Wounded): Minor injuries—they can walk, talk, and...