Triage for first responders in Australia: The TSG SmartTriage™ system

Every moment counts in emergency situations, and mass casualty events in particular. The ability to rapidly assess and prioritise patients is essential for maximising survival.

The initial assessment and prioritisation task for first responders can be cognitively overwhelming. Triage medical products are tools designed to streamline decision-making and ensure that the most critical patients receive immediate care.

In Australia, the triage system is underpinned by the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS). Agreed upon by the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA), the five-point scale helps ensure that patients with the most critical needs are treated first.

The process is referred to as SMART Triage, an acronym for Simple Method for Assessing and Responding to Triage, It is increasingly supported by advanced tools like the SmartTriage™ system developed by TSG Associates.

What Are Triage Medical Products?

Triage medical products are essential tools used in emergency departments, pre-hospital care, and mass casualty incidents (MCIs) to sort patients based on the urgency of their medical needs. These products range from simple colour-coded tags to sophisticated digital systems and portable diagnostic devices.

Triage products for first responders include triage tags and kits that are used to label patients with priority levels (e.g., red for immediate, green for minor). These tools are critical in ensuring care is delivered efficiently and equitably, especially during large-scale emergencies.

This article focuses on SmartTriage™ by TSG Associates, a system recognised for clarity and efficiency in high-pressure mass casualty events.

SmartTriage™: A Game-Changer in Emergency Response

The SmartTriage™ system, developed by TSG Associates, is a globally recognised solution for managing MCIs. It is widely adopted across Australia, including by New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance, Queensland (QLD) Ambulance Service (QAS), South Australian (SA) Ambulance, Victorian (VIC) Ambulance and St John Ambulance, and is embedded in state-level emergency response protocols.

Its user-friendly design ensures it can be deployed easily even under the most stressful conditions, providing responders with a reliable and efficient tool for life-saving work.

Image: SmartTriage™ Pack; SmartTriage™ Bag ; SMART Stor-It Bag

Key Features of SmartTriage™ Products:

SmartTag™: Durable, waterproof, and colour-coded, these tags include fields for vital signs, injuries, and treatments. They also feature barcodes for digital tracking.

SmartTriage™ Packs: Belt-worn kits that contain all necessary triage tools, allowing responders to work hands-free.

SmartTag™ IMIST: This tool is used for structured patient handovers, providing a concise summary of key clinical information. It includes details on the Mechanism of injury, Injuries sustained, vital Signs, and Treatment provided. IMIST can be used as an initial handover tool and followed up with the AMBO format if more comprehensive information is available.

SmartTriage Commander Tools: Designed for incident command and scene management.

SmartTriage™ Tape: A paediatric triage tool that uses a child's length to estimate weight and appropriate care.

Image: SmartTag™ CBRN; SmartTriage™; SmartTriage™ Tape

These products are designed for speed, consistency, and interoperability, ideal for chaotic and resource-constrained environments.

TSG Associates: Innovators in Emergency Preparedness

TSG Associates, the company behind the SmartTriage™ system, is a renowned innovator in emergency preparedness. With a mission to improve emergency outcomes through practical, field-tested solutions, TSG's products are trusted and used by emergency services, hospitals, and military units worldwide.

In Australia, TSG's SmartTriage™ range plays a vital role in emergency preparedness. The New South Wales (NSW) Health Medical Services Supporting Plan mandates the use of SmartTriage™ Packs during mass casualty incidents. These packs are standard equipment in all NSW Ambulance vehicles.

This aligns with national and state emergency frameworks, including:

• AMPLAN (Australian Maritime Plan): A national framework for managing large-scale maritime incidents.
• EMPLAN (Emergency Management Plan): The State or Territory-level plan—particularly in NSW—that outlines how emergencies are coordinated and managed.

Considerations for Australian Emergency Services

1. National Adoption & Compatibility

• The SmartTriage™ System is Australia's national triage system, meaning it aligns with national protocols and is already in use across multiple jurisdictions. This ensures interoperability between agencies (e.g., Ambulance, Fire and Rescue, SES, and Police) during multi-agency responses.
  
  

2. Proven Use in Australian Conditions

• The system has been field-tested in Australian environments, including bushfires, floods, and mass casualty incidents, demonstrating its adaptability and reliability in diverse conditions.
• Its durability and weather-resistant materials (e.g., waterproof SmartTag™) are suited to Australia's diverse climates, from the tropical north to the arid interior.
  
  

3. Scalability for Rural and Urban Needs

• The system includes modular components like:
  • SmartTriage™ First Response: A first responder kit that helps to reduce cognitive overload in chaotic situations by effectively prioritising a triage structure simply and effectively. It facilitates efficient commencement of clinical treatment, leading to increased positive patient outcomes.
    
  • SmartTriage™ Command Kits: For larger-scale incident command. 
    
  • Vehicle-Based Kits: designed to integrate into frontline emergency vehicles.

Image: SMART Commander; SMART MCI Bag; SmartTriage™ Bag

4. CBRNE and Mass Casualty Readiness

• Australia's increasing focus on CBRNE preparedness (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive threats) is supported by the SMART CBRNE-specific triage cards.
  
• The system supports mass casualty incident (MCI) management with tools like the SmartTriage™ MCI Bag and Commander Control Boards.
  

5. Training and Local Support

• Training materials and simulation kits are available to help responders use the system proficiently. Midmed, the Australian distributor, provides local access to products, training, and support.
  

6. Procurement and Budgeting

• Buyers should consider:
  • The national standard endorsed by the CAA
  • Initial setup costs (kits, tags, command boards).
  • Ongoing consumables (e.g., replacement tags).
  • Training and refresher programs.
    
    

Conclusion

As Australia continues to face challenges from natural disasters, pandemics, and large-scale emergencies, the importance of robust triage systems cannot be overstated. The SmartTriage™ system by TSG Associates offers a proven, scalable solution that enhances emergency response capabilities across the healthcare spectrum.

Investing in high-quality triage products is not just a procurement decision for institutional buyers. It is a commitment to saving lives when it matters most.

Contact us today to discuss your First Responder Triage needs and learn how the SmartTriage™ system can enhance emergency response capabilities.