What is the primary purpose of triage performed in the warm zone during an active shooter incident?

In the context of an active shooter incident, triage in the warm zone is crucial for efficiently managing resources and responding to casualties effectively. The primary purpose of triage during this phase is to prioritize patients based on severity, which allows emergency responders to deliver care to those who need it most urgently.

In the warm zone, where the immediate threat has been contained but there may still be danger, responders focus on quickly assessing the condition of each patient. This process helps identify individuals who require immediate medical attention due to life-threatening injuries, as well as those who can wait for treatment. Prioritization ensures that the most seriously injured receive care first, maximizing the chances of survival.

Triage does not typically focus on determining whether a patient is dead or alive, as the conditions in an active shooter scenario may require moving swiftly to avoid further harm. Similarly, while preparing patients for transport is an important part of the overall response, the most critical aspect initially is to assess and prioritize care based on the severity of injuries.