The S.T.A.R.T. Triage Story
Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment
August 1999 - In the past, each EMS agency and/or provider used a variety of different outdated triage systems. This created various problems when agencies would respond together on mass casualty incidents. As a means to correct this, Phoenix Fire Department decided to spearhead a project to design an easy to use, effective triage system. Captain Dean Pedrotti was charged with developing the program. Pedrotti started by researching systems, nationwide. He then held meetings to receive input from all Valley fire departments.
With the information at hand, he implemented mass casualty drills to evaluate the different options. The drills were conducted with personnel and equipment from over fifteen different fire and transport agencies. After each drill, the individuals involved completed a questionnaire developed in conjunction with Professor Ron Perry of Arizona State University. The data was then compiled by Dr. Perry to score the different options.
After two years of research and development, the system was ready for use. Dean presented the final Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) project proposal to AEMS. As stated above, AEMS approved the program to be utilized within the Central Region. It has also been approved by Northern Arizona Emergency Medical Systems, Inc. (NAEMS), Southern Arizona Emergency Medical Systems (SAEMS), and by the State of Arizona. The State Trauma Advisory Board (STAB) has also endorse the Arizona triage tag system.
The results of the START project were published in the 1999 edition of the Prehospital Care Research Forum. In addition, a story on the Arizona triage tag system will be featured in a Jems Magazine article in June 2000.
To date, the START triage program is being utilized by over 95% of all providers. "Train the Trainer" classes have been conducted for rural providers by Jeff Gobster of Chandler Fire Department. These trainers, in turn, are teaching the START system, statewide, to their employees and volunteers.
Arizona Triage System (START) Article by
Dean Pedrotti
