In a MCI situation, if a patient is disoriented and has a respiratory rate of 32, what should you do according to START?

In a mass casualty incident (MCI) involving the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) protocol, the correct action for a patient who is disoriented and exhibiting a respiratory rate of 32 is to provide immediate assistance.

This patient's disorientation is a sign of potential severe physiological distress, and a respiratory rate of 32 indicates tachypnea, which could signify a serious compromise in respiratory function. According to the principles of START triage, patients presenting with altered mental status or abnormal vital signs such as elevated respiratory rates are prioritized for immediate assessment and treatment. By providing immediate assistance, you address the most urgent needs first, which aligns with the goal of effectively managing multiple casualties.

Other options are not suitable in this scenario. Conducting a secondary assessment could delay treatment; supplying oxygen, while potentially beneficial, is not appropriate until the immediate needs of the patient are addressed; and waiting for other responders can lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition. The urgency of the situation necessitates prompt action rather than deferred care.