Triage and Trauma Workload in Mass Casualty: A Computer Model

This study developed a hospital triage tool to rapidly assess resource needs for evacuating pediatric inpatients during disasters. The tool categorizes patients based on required transport resources, enabling faster and more accurate planning. It showed high agreement between visual and chart assessments (over 96%) and significantly reduced time to determine transport needs, with one nurse completing a full hospital assessment in under an hour during a drill. The tool also helps identify patients who can be discharged or downgraded, improving surge capacity. Overall, standardized resource-based triage can speed decision-making, improve coordination, and support safer patient movement during emergencies.