EFFECT OF TRIAGING IN MASS CASUALTY INCIDENTS
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style: Available
- Recommended for : Student Researchers
- NGN 3000
Background of the study
In the face of mass casualty incidents (MCIs), effective triaging stands as a critical determinant of patient outcomes, resource allocation, and overall disaster management efficacy. Defined as the process of prioritizing patients for treatment based on the severity of their condition, triaging plays a pivotal role in optimizing scarce resources and maximizing the chances of survival for the greatest number of individuals. This study delves into the multifaceted realm of triaging in MCIs, exploring its fundamental concepts, key variables, interrelationships, and the factors that influence its implementation. Triaging, derived from the French word "trier," meaning to sort or select, refers to the systematic process of rapidly assessing and categorizing patients based on the severity of their injuries or illnesses. It involves sorting patients into different priority levels to ensure that those with the most urgent medical needs receive prompt attention and care (Cone et al., 2012). Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) are events that overwhelm local healthcare resources and infrastructure, resulting in a large number of casualties requiring medical attention within a short period. These incidents can include natural disasters, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and pandemics, among others (Auf der Heide, 2006). This variable refers to the degree of harm or impairment experienced by an individual as a result of the MCI. Severity can range from minor injuries or illnesses that require minimal medical intervention to critical conditions that demand immediate life-saving measures (Jui et al., 2010). The relationship between triaging, the severity of injury/illness, and mass casualty incidents is inherently interconnected. In the chaotic aftermath of an MCI, the effectiveness of triaging directly influences the allocation of resources and the management of patients with varying degrees of severity. Efficient triaging ensures that individuals with life-threatening injuries or illnesses receive timely treatment, thereby reducing mortality rates and preventing further deterioration of health outcomes (Lerner et al., 2006). Conversely, inadequate or delayed triaging can lead to resource depletion, treatment delays, and increased mortality among critically injured or ill patients. Environmental factors, such as the type and scale of the MCI, geographical location, weather conditions, and accessibility to healthcare facilities, significantly impact the severity of injuries/illnesses encountered and the efficiency of triaging efforts (Einav et al., 2006). The availability of medical personnel, equipment, supplies, and facilities directly affects the ability to conduct effective triaging and provide appropriate care to MCI victims. Limited resources can hinder triaging accuracy and compromise patient outcomes (Cone et al., 2012). The level of training, preparedness, and coordination among emergency responders, healthcare professionals, and community members influences the proficiency of triaging protocols and the overall response to MCIs. Adequate training enhances the capacity to perform rapid assessments and make critical decisions under high-stress conditions (Hick et al., 2011).
1.2 Statement of the problem
In the event of a mass casualty incident (MCI), where a large number of victims overwhelm the available resources and healthcare system, effective triage procedures are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and resource allocation. However, there is a pressing need to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of various triage protocols and their impact on the overall management of MCIs.
The problem lies in the lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the optimal triage strategies in different contexts of MCIs, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and pandemics. While various triage systems such as Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START), JumpSTART, and Triage Sieve have been developed and implemented, their efficacy in accurately prioritizing patients and improving survival rates remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of triaging in mass casualty incidents.
1.3 Objective of the study
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To examine if Triage ensures that those with the highest chance of survival receive prompt medical attention in mass casualty incidents.
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To examine if Triage helps hospitals manage patient influx during MCIs by directing patients to appropriate levels of care based on their medical needs.
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To examine if Triage serves as a communication tool for coordinating emergency response efforts among multiple agencies and healthcare facilities during mass casualty incidents.
1.4 Research Questions
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Does Triage ensures that those with the highest chance of survival receive prompt medical attention in mass casualty incidents?
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Does Triage helps hospitals manage patient influx during MCIs by directing patients to appropriate levels of care based on their medical needs?
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Does Triage serves as a communication tool for coordinating emergency response efforts among multiple agencies and healthcare facilities during mass casualty incidents?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): triaging has no positive effect in mass casualty incidents.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): triaging has a positive effect in mass casualty incidents.
1.6 Significance of the study
Optimizing Resource Allocation: Conducting a study on triaging in mass casualty incidents helps in understanding how efficiently resources can be allocated. By evaluating the effectiveness of different triage systems and protocols, emergency responders can prioritize the treatment of patients based on the severity of their injuries. This optimization ensures that limited resources such as medical personnel, equipment, and supplies are utilized most effectively to save the maximum number of lives.
Enhancing Emergency Response Preparedness: Research on triaging in mass casualty incidents contributes to enhancing emergency response preparedness at various levels. By analyzing past incidents and implementing lessons learned from studies, emergency response teams can refine their protocols, training programs, and coordination strategies. This leads to better coordination among first responders, hospitals, and other relevant agencies, ultimately improving the overall response to future mass casualty events.
Improving Patient Outcomes: The findings of studies on triaging effectiveness can directly impact patient outcomes during mass casualty incidents. By identifying the most efficient triage methods and protocols, emergency medical personnel can quickly assess and prioritize treatment for patients with life-threatening injuries, thereby increasing the chances of survival and reducing the risk of long-term disabilities. Additionally, understanding the psychological and logistical aspects of triage can help in providing timely and appropriate support to patients and their families, promoting overall recovery and well-being.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to examine if Triage ensures that those with the highest chance of survival receive prompt medical attention in mass casualty incidents, examine if Triage helps hospitals manage patient influx during MCIs by directing patients to appropriate levels of care based on their medical needs, examine if Triage serves as a communication tool for coordinating emergency response efforts among multiple agencies and healthcare facilities during mass casualty incidents. Hence Staff of FMC Abeokuta shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI): An event in which a large number of casualties overwhelms the available resources and healthcare system, requiring efficient and rapid response to provide medical care to the injured.
Triage: The process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries or medical conditions to ensure that limited resources are allocated effectively, maximizing the number of lives saved.
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