What does the "R" in START stand for?

In the START triage system, which stands for Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment, the "R" specifically represents "Respiration." This component is crucial as it focuses on assessing the patient's ability to breathe when determining their priority for medical treatment in an emergency situation.

During the triage process, if a patient is found to be breathing, rescuers will check for the rate and quality of their respirations. If they are not breathing, rescuers may attempt to open the airway and give a few breaths to see if the patient can then sustain further respiration. The importance of respiration in triage is that it assists responders in quickly categorizing patients based on the severity of their condition, which is vital in mass casualty incidents. Hence, understanding the "R" as "Respiration" underscores the emphasis on quickly identifying patients who require immediate medical attention due to compromised breathing.