In triage, which action is used to classify quickly?

In triage, which action is used to classify quickly?

• A. ABC
• B. RPM
• C. OPQRST
• D. AMPLE

Answer: (B)

RPM—Respiration, Perfusion, and Mental status—is used to classify patients quickly in triage. It gives a fast, three-step snapshot: first, assess whether the patient is breathing adequately; second, check perfusion by feeling for a pulse or looking at signs of circulation; and third, evaluate mental status by noting responsiveness. If any part is severely compromised, the patient is prioritized for immediate life-saving care because airway, circulation, or brain function needs urgent intervention. The other mnemonics aren’t designed for rapid casualty sorting: ABC focuses on a full primary survey for individual patients, while OPQRST and AMPLE are for detailed symptom and history taking, not quick triage categorization.

RPM—Respiration, Perfusion, and Mental status—is used to classify patients quickly in triage. It gives a fast, three-step snapshot: first, assess whether the patient is breathing adequately; second, check perfusion by feeling for a pulse or looking at signs of circulation; and third, evaluate mental status by noting responsiveness. If any part is severely compromised, the patient is prioritized for immediate life-saving care because airway, circulation, or brain function needs urgent intervention. The other mnemonics aren’t designed for rapid casualty sorting: ABC focuses on a full primary survey for individual patients, while OPQRST and AMPLE are for detailed symptom and history taking, not quick triage categorization.