Use of SALT triage in a simulated mass-casualty incident.

AbstractObjectives. To determine the accuracy of SALT (sort–assess–lifesaving interventions–treatment/transport) triage during a simulated mass-casualty incident, the average time it takes to make triage designations, and providers' opinions of SALT triage. Methods. Seventy-three trainees participating in one of two disaster courses were taught to use SALT triage during a 30-minute lecture. The following day they participated in teams, in one of eight simulated mass-casualty incidents. For each incident trainees were told to assess and prioritize all victims. Each scenario comprised 28 to 30 victims, including 10 to 11 moulaged manikins and 18 to 20 moulaged actors. Each victim had a card that stated the victim's respiratory effort, pulse quality, and ability to follow commands. Initial and final assigned triage categories were recorded and compared with the intended category. Ten of the victims were equipped with stopwatches to measure the triage time interval. Timing began when the trainee approached th...