What is the function of a Triage Officer in an MCI?

• A. To assess and prioritize patients based on the severity of their injuries.
• B. To transport all patients to the nearest hospital.
• C. To document staff hours.
• D. To manage resource procurement.

Answer: (A)

In an MCI, the on-scene triage officer is responsible for quickly sorting patients by how seriously they’re injured so that the limited resources and time can be used where they’ll save the most lives. This involves a rapid patient assessment—checking consciousness, the ability to breathe or maintain airway, perfusion, and how mobile the person is—and then assigning each person to a priority category. The aim is to identify those who need immediate life-saving care first and direct their movement and care accordingly, rather than simply transporting everyone to a hospital. This role focuses on prioritization and directing on-scene actions, not on transporting every patient, recording staff hours, or handling procurement and other logistics.