Triaged - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

medical assessment

To triage is to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition and the urgency of their need for care. This process is crucial in emergency situations where resources are limited. The aim is to ensure that those who require immediate medical attention receive it as soon as possible, while others may wait. Triage is often used in hospital emergency rooms and during mass casualty incidents.

Synonyms

classify, prioritize, sort.

Examples of usage

The nurse triaged the patients based on their symptoms.
After the disaster, first responders quickly triaged the injured victims.
They had to triage cases to determine who needed surgery first.

Interesting Facts

Medical Practices

In emergency rooms, medical staff prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions.
The triage process can involve categories like 'immediate', 'urgent', and 'non-urgent' to streamline care.
Effective triage can significantly reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

Disaster Response

During natural disasters, triage is critical to assess the most severely affected individuals needing immediate rescue.
Triage methods guide emergency services in prioritizing resources when overwhelmed by need.
Humanitarian organizations use triage systems to allocate limited resources effectively during crises.

Technology and Software

In IT, 'triaging' involves sorting and prioritizing technical issues based on their impact on operations.
IT teams might use ticketing systems to triage user requests, ensuring urgent problems are addressed first.
Software development utilizes triage techniques during bug fixing phases, focusing on the most critical issues.

Psychology

Triage can also apply to mental health by prioritizing treatment for those at higher risk of self-harm or crisis.
The understanding of urgency in psychological support can help create effective intervention strategies.
Mental health triage emphasizes the importance of timely support for individuals facing critical emotional distress.

Origin of 'triaged'

Main points about word origin

The word 'triage' comes from the French word 'trier', which means 'to sort' or 'to separate'.
It entered the English language in the late 19th century, particularly in medical contexts during wartime.
Originally, the term was associated with the management of casualties on battlefields.

The term 'triage' originates from the French word 'trier,' meaning 'to sort' or 'to select.' It was first used in a medical context during the Napoleonic Wars, where medical personnel had to quickly assess soldiers' injuries and decide who would receive treatment based on the likelihood of survival and the severity of their injuries. Over time, the concept of triage expanded beyond military medicine into civilian healthcare settings, especially in emergency care. The practice has evolved to include various methods of assessment and prioritization, influenced by advancements in medical knowledge and technology. Today, triage systems are used worldwide, including in emergency departments and disaster response situations.

Triaged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations