What does "reverse triage" refer to in emergency situations?

Reverse triage refers specifically to the process of prioritizing care for patients who are most likely to survive, particularly in mass casualty incidents or disasters. This approach focuses on quickly identifying individuals who can be stabilized with immediate, life-saving interventions and are most likely to benefit from further medical assistance. The rationale behind reverse triage is to maximize the number of survivors by directing limited resources and medical personnel to those with a higher chance of recovery.

In many emergency scenarios, the goal shifts from treating all patients equally to assessing and prioritizing patients based on their survival potential. This practice becomes vital when resources are constrained, as it allows first responders to make informed decisions that can save the greatest number of lives possible. Therefore, the emphasis on patients who can more likely survive underpins the essence of reverse triage.