How is triage applied by an EMD over the phone?

Triage over the phone by an Emergency Medical Dispatcher involves assessing the urgency of a patient's condition to prioritize medical response effectively. This process is crucial in emergency situations where resources may be limited, and immediate response may be necessary for the most critical cases. The dispatcher uses a structured protocol to gather pertinent information from the caller, such as the nature of the emergency, symptoms, and the patient's condition. By determining the urgency, the EMD can make informed decisions about which cases need immediate attention and how to allocate resources appropriately.

This approach ensures that patients who require urgent care receive it as quickly as possible, while also managing the expectations of other callers. Proper triage through this assessment helps to maintain an effective response system and can ultimately improve patient outcomes.