title: Triage in the defence medical services.
abstract: Triage of patients into categories according to their need for intervention is a core part of military medical practice. This article reviews how triage has evolved in the Defence Medical Services and how it might develop in the context of recent research. In particular, a simple model demonstrates that the ideal sensitivity and specificity of a triage system depends upon the availability of transport and the capacity of the receiving units. As a result, we may need to fundamentally change the way we approach triage in order to optimise outcomes-especially if casualty evacuation timelines become longer and smaller medical units more prevalent on future operations. Some pragmatic options for change are discussed. Finally, other areas of current research around triage are highlighted, perhaps showing where triage may go next.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Simon T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.affiliation: Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vassallo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D008889:Military Personnel; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014218:Triage
keywords: Accident & Emergency Medicine; Education & Training (see Medical Education & Training)