MODULE 3: The Worker in the Workplace-Triage Considerations in the Occupational Health Setting

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the video, Melanie Hallman discusses triage considerations in the occupational health setting. She explains that triage involves sorting and assigning a value or priority to individuals based on their medical condition. Triage can have different meanings and approaches depending on the setting. In the pre-hospital setting, field triage is performed by first responders and emergency medical services professionals to identify patients with serious injuries and direct them to the appropriate level of care. In the emergency department, triage focuses on treating the most life-threatening conditions first, while in mass casualty incidents and disasters, triage aims to prioritize care based on available resources and the prognosis of patients. Hallman emphasizes the importance of scene safety and building relationships between healthcare providers and other stakeholders to effectively manage occupational emergencies. She also discusses common triage systems used in emergency departments, such as the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) and the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), which help determine the severity of a patient's condition and the level of care they require. Hallman highlights the need for ongoing reassessment of patients and the potential risks of under-triage and over-triage. She provides guidance for assessing and managing specific complaints and injuries, including syncope, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, stroke-like symptoms, facial swelling, heat-related illness, and hypothermia. Hallman emphasizes the importance of quickly determining whether a patient can be managed on-site or if urgent transfer to a higher level of care is necessary. She also advocates for regular training and education on triage protocols to ensure efficient and effective patient care.

Keywords

triage considerations

occupational health

field triage

emergency department

mass casualty incidents

triage systems

Emergency Severity Index

Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale

under-triage

over-triage