The Ten Second Triage tool shows the recommended priority triage routes depending on incident characteristics. Each has a ‘yes’, which guides you to the next question, or ‘no’ answer which determines priority (P1, P2 and P3) or Dead. Clinical instruction is in bold.

Walking – Yes = P3

Severe bleeding – Yes – Pressure, Tourniquet, Packing = P1

Talking – Yes – Penetrating injury (front or back) Yes = P1 – No = P2

Breathing – open airway if able – Place in recovery position Yes = P1. No Note breathing – CPR if resources allow.

The tool then sets out the METHANE model – which brings structure and clarity to the initial stages of managing any multi-agency or major incident.

• M – Major incident
• E – Exact location
• T – Type of incident
• H – Hazardous
• A – Access
• N – Number of casualties
• E – Emergency services

The tool then provides option boxes to number how many patients are in each category of priority – P1, P2 and P3 as well as Not breathing from 1 to 19.