Define the term "triage" in the context of emergency response.

The term "triage" in the context of emergency response refers to the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries or medical conditions. This is a critical step in emergency care, especially in situations where resources—such as medical personnel and equipment—are limited, and not all patients can receive immediate care. The primary goal of triage is to ensure that those who are most in need of immediate medical attention receive it first, thereby optimizing the chances of survival and recovery for the greatest number of individuals.

When emergency responders arrive at a scene, they quickly assess each patient's condition and categorize them into different priority levels. This systematic approach helps to efficiently allocate limited medical resources and personnel, especially in mass casualty incidents where many individuals are affected. By focusing on the triage process, responders can make informed decisions about which patients require urgent intervention, which can wait for care, and which may be beyond help.

In contrast, methods determining the duration of care, assessing scene safety, or measuring service response time do not encapsulate the essence of triage, as they focus on different aspects of emergency response rather than the critical prioritization process that triage represents.