What defines the "primary" level of triage in a mass casualty scenario?

The primary level of triage in a mass casualty incident is fundamentally focused on identifying and addressing immediate care needs for life-threatening conditions. This level prioritizes patients who require urgent medical attention to survive, which often includes those with severe injuries or critical conditions such as airway obstruction, uncontrolled hemorrhage, or cardiac arrest. By focusing on these cases, the triage system optimizes the use of available resources and ensures that those with the highest chance of survival receive care first.

This approach is essential in emergency management, as it allows medical personnel to make rapid decisions in situations where numerous patients may need care simultaneously, ensuring that life-saving interventions are provided without unnecessary delay.