Waisman et al1have once
more highlighted the very real challenge of triaging
children in mass-casualty events (MCE) in the
pre-hospital setting. Difficulties encountered
measuring vital signs and different patterns of
injury, reflecting significant anatomical and
physiological differences, necessitates a modified
approach when applying traditional “adult” triage
methods to paediatric trauma victims. When using
physiological parameters to triage children, their
faster respiratory rates and heart rates frequently
result in younger children being triaged to a higher
category than their injuries demand. These
differences become less apparent during adolescence,
as the young person matures into adulthood.