Which of the following is NOT one of the rapid assessment criteria used in MCI triage?

• A. Respiration
• B. Pulse
• C. Mental Status
• D. Blood Pressure

Answer: (D)

In mass casualty triage, the quickest way to sort patients focuses on airway, breathing, and circulation using three simple checks: breathing after opening the airway, presence of a pulse (perfusion), and the ability to follow simple commands (mental status). These checks are chosen because they can be done rapidly with minimal equipment and tell you who is in immediate danger and who can wait. Blood pressure isn’t part of this rapid screen because measuring it takes more time, requires a cuff and stethoscope or a monitor, and doesn’t provide as immediate or clear a signal about life-threatening needs as respirations, pulse, or mental status do. So blood pressure is not used in this rapid triage criteria.