Primary triage is best described as:

• A. Assessment done at the scene to identify life-threatening conditions
• B. Assessment done in the treatment area after initial care
• C. Assessment before triage
• D. Assessment after hospital transfer

Answer: (A)

Primary triage is the rapid, on-scene screening that identifies life-threatening conditions and sorts patients so those in immediate danger receive attention first. This quick assessment focuses on who needs urgent interventions right away, before any detailed care or transport decisions. It’s done at the scene as responders arrive, not in a treatment area after initial care or after transfer. The other descriptions refer to assessments that occur later in the patient’s care pathway, not the initial field prioritization.