In START triage, which intervention is included alongside direct pressure to control bleeding?

In START triage, which intervention is included alongside direct pressure to control bleeding?

• A. Basic airway opening
• B. Elevation of legs
• C. Intravenous fluids
• D. C-spine stabilization

Answer: (A)

Opening the airway is included because in START triage the quickest life-saving move after applying direct pressure to bleeding is to ensure the casualty can breathe. Securing an open airway (often with a quick jaw-thrust) allows ventilation and increases survival chances right away; without a patent airway, bleeding control won’t help if the person cannot oxygenate. Elevating the legs, IV fluids, and C-spine stabilization aren’t part of the immediate triage actions designed for rapid on-scene decision-making. Elevating the legs may delay assessment, IV access takes time and resources, and spine precautions are important but not part of the fastest triage step used alongside bleeding control.

Opening the airway is included because in START triage the quickest life-saving move after applying direct pressure to bleeding is to ensure the casualty can breathe. Securing an open airway (often with a quick jaw-thrust) allows ventilation and increases survival chances right away; without a patent airway, bleeding control won’t help if the person cannot oxygenate. Elevating the legs, IV fluids, and C-spine stabilization aren’t part of the immediate triage actions designed for rapid on-scene decision-making. Elevating the legs may delay assessment, IV access takes time and resources, and spine precautions are important but not part of the fastest triage step used alongside bleeding control.