SALT triage training and virtual reality demonstration

SALT (sort-assess-lifesaving interventions-treatment and/or transport) was developed as a national all-hazards mass casualty initial triage standard for all patients (eg, adults, children, and special populations).1 SALT is endorsed by1-3 the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, American Trauma Society, National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), and National Disaster Life Support Education Consortium. The process is explained using Video 1, and its algorithm is presented in Figure 1. Hemorrhage is the leading preventable cause of death in trauma (30%–40% of fatalities).4 Death from hemorrhage can occur in as little as 3–5 minutes. SALT allows for early hemorrhage control. In other triage algorithms, bleeding control does not occur until after respirations are counted and perfusion (cap refill) is checked. to control major hemorrhage with tourniquets or direct pressure provided by other patients or other devices; to open the airway through positioning or basic airway adjuncts (no advanced airway devices should be used); if the patient is a child, consider giving two rescue breaths; chest needle decompression; CBRN antidotes or autoinjector antidotes: SALT includes an expectant category for patients who are still breathing but unlikely to survive given current resources. SALT allows for a quick global sorting of the patients so responders can more accurately identify patients who are not responding or have an obvious life threat. VR SALT demonstration is presented using Video 2.6 This work was supported through a grant from the United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Grant Number R18HS025915. The authors report no conflicts of interest.