The Ten Second Triage: Rapid Life-Saving Decisions in Major Incidents

Rapid Life-Saving Decisions in Major Incidents

Emergencies involving multiple casualties—such as large accidents, natural disasters, or other high-risk events—require rapid assessment to save lives. The Ten Second Triage (TST) is a simple, fast, and effective tool designed to help first responders quickly prioritise casualties in just seconds.

At RealMed First Aid, we believe understanding this modern triage tool is essential for anyone involved in emergency response, whether you’re a first aider, workplace responder, or volunteer in your community.

What is the Ten Second Triage?

The Ten Second Triage is a rapid prioritisation system for major incidents and mass casualty events. Unlike routine triage systems used in emergency departments, TST is intended for first responders on the scene, including police, firefighters, ambulance crews, or trained non-medical personnel.

Its goal is simple: assess and prioritise casualties in under 10 seconds, so life-saving interventions can be applied immediately.

Why Was It Developed?

Major incidents can create chaotic, high-pressure environments where every second counts. The Ten Second Triage was developed to:

• Bridge the care gap before specialist medical personnel arrive

• Rapidly identify life-threatening injuries

• Prompt immediate life-saving interventions, such as controlling severe bleeding or opening airways

By using a structured, simple approach, first responders can act quickly and effectively, saving lives in critical situations.

10 Seconds Triage Flow Diagram

How the Ten Second Triage Works

The TST uses a simple yes/no flowchart—no clinical measurements like pulse or blood pressure are required. The process is fast and easy to remember:

1. Is the patient walking?

   • Yes → Priority 3 (P3, green): Minor injuries, can wait.

   • No → Proceed to next question.

2. Is there a central penetrating injury? (e.g., chest, abdomen or back)

   • Yes → Priority 1 (P1, red): Immediate life-threatening injury, urgent intervention needed.

   • No → Proceed to next question.

3. Is the patient breathing?

   • Yes → Priority 2 (P2, yellow): Urgent but stable enough to wait briefly.

   • No → Priority 0 / Deceased (black)

     • Consider CPR if resources allow.

     • In overwhelmed scenarios, the patient is classified as deceased.

Responders are also prompted to apply immediate interventions as needed, such as pressure, tourniquets, or placing the patient in the recovery position.

Next Steps After Initial Triage

Once paramedics or other trained medical personnel arrive, casualties are reassessed using more detailed triage protocols to guide ongoing care.

The Ten Second Triage ensures that life-saving action starts immediately, rather than waiting for fully trained medical staff. This can make the difference between life and death in high-pressure situations.

Why First Aiders in New Zealand Should Understand TST

Even if you’re not a paramedic, understanding the TST is valuable:

• It teaches structured rapid assessment

• It highlights critical priorities in major incidents

• It reinforces the importance of immediate interventions, like bleeding control and airway management

At RealMed First Aid, our courses cover practical triage principles, scenario-based learning, and life-saving techniques that can be applied in real emergencies anywhere in New Zealand.

Conclusion

The Ten Second Triage is a simple but powerful tool that saves lives in major incidents. Knowing how to use it ensures faster, smarter, and more effective emergency response—whether you’re on the front line as a first responder, in the workplace, or part of a community emergency team.

Learning to prioritise quickly is a skill you hope never to use, but one you’ll be glad you have.

Learn More or Book Training 📘➡️

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👉 https://www.realmed.co.nz/blog/severe-bleeding-survival

Bleeding Control Blog
👉 https://www.realmed.co.nz/blog/bleeding-control

Why a C.A.T Tourniquet is essential in your First Aid Kit
👉 https://www.realmed.co.nz/blog/cat-tourniquet

View RealMed Control the Bleed Course
👉 https://www.realmed.co.nz/courses/control-the-bleed

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👉 Contact RealMed First Aid today to book your next course.

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✉️ Email: info@realmed.co.nz

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📍 Learn More with RealMed First Aid

We teach this and more in our:

✅ Comprehensive First Aid Course

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✅ Special FX Scenarios 

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