PHTLS Triage and Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Management

Question 1

In the START triage system, after directing all walking wounded away from the immediate scene, what is the FIRST physiologic parameter assessed in remaining victims?

Accepted Answer

Respirations — presence and rate

Answer

Radial pulse presence and strength

Answer

Level of consciousness and ability to follow commands

Answer

Presence of major external hemorrhage

Question 2

In START triage, a victim does not breathe after a single attempt to reposition the airway. What triage tag should be applied?

Accepted Answer

Black — Expectant

Answer

Red — Immediate

Answer

Yellow — Delayed

Answer

Green — Minimal

Question 3

Using START triage, a victim has a respiratory rate of 34 breaths per minute. What triage category is assigned?

Accepted Answer

Red — Immediate, based on respiratory rate alone

Answer

Yellow — Delayed, pending perfusion and mental status checks

Answer

Green — Minimal, as the patient is breathing

Answer

Black — Expectant, as the rate is abnormally elevated

Question 4

A mass casualty incident (MCI) is best defined as any event in which:

Accepted Answer

The number or severity of patients exceeds available local EMS resources

Answer

More than 10 patients are injured simultaneously

Answer

A hazardous materials component is present

Answer

Air medical transport is activated

Question 5

JumpSTART modifies the adult START system for pediatric patients primarily by adding which intervention for apneic children who have a palpable pulse?

Accepted Answer

Five rescue breaths before assigning the Expectant category if still apneic

Answer

Immediate Red tag without any intervention attempt

Answer

Checking capillary refill before assessing respirations

Answer

Classifying all children under 8 as Immediate regardless of vital signs

Question 6

In the Incident Command System (ICS) structure used at mass casualty scenes, which role holds overall authority and responsibility for managing the incident?

Accepted Answer

Incident Commander

Answer

Operations Section Chief

Answer

Medical Group Supervisor

Answer

Safety Officer