Triage Quick Reference Guide

Risk factors for serious illness or injury

Page last updated: 21 January 2013

These should be considered in the light of history of events and physiological data.
Multiple risk factors = increased risk of serious injusry.
The presence of one or more risk factors may result in allocation of triage category of higher acuity.

Mechanism of injury Co morbidities Age Historical variables Other
e.g.
  • penetrating injury
  • fall >2 - height
  • MCA >60 kph
  • MBA/cyclist >30 kph
  • pedestrian
  • ejection/rollover
  • prolonged extraction (>30 minutes)
  • death same car occupant
  • explosion
e.g.
  • Hx prematurity
  • respiratory disease
  • cardiovascular disease
  • renal disease
  • carcinoma
  • diabetes
  • substance abuse
  • immuno-compromised
  • congenital disease
  • complex medical Hx
<3 months and
  • febrile
  • acute change to feeding pattern
  • acute change to sleeping pattern
Victims of violence, e.g.
  • child at risk
  • sexual assault
  • neglect
e.g. events preceding presentation to ED
  • apnoeic/cyanotic episode
  • seizure activity
  • decreased intake
  • decreased output
  • red currant jelly stool
  • bile stained vomiting
Parental concern
e.g.
  • rash
  • actual/potential effects of drugs/alcohol
  • chemical exposure
  • envenomation
  • immersion
  • alteration in body temperature