When using the START triage method, who should you identify as a priority?

In the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage method, identifying a priority for treatment involves assessing the severity of injuries and the potential for survival of victims. The correct focus is on those who are breathing, as this indicates a potential immediate need for intervention.

When evaluating the options, individuals who are unresponsive require urgent attention because they may have life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed immediately. Individuals who are not breathing or have serious injuries are also prioritized in settings where rapid treatment is necessary.

Those who are classified as ambulatory — meaning they are able to walk and follow commands — are generally placed in a lower priority category because they are stable enough to survive without immediate intervention. They can often wait for treatment while resources are allocated to those in more dire need.

In this context, while ambulatory individuals should be monitored, the priority should always focus on those presenting more severe conditions, such as unresponsive or breathing patients.