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What should NOT be done by the first responder who starts triage?

  1. Assess the injury severity

  2. Provide immediate medical treatment

  3. Sort patients based on condition

  4. Prioritize care effectively

The correct answer is: Provide immediate medical treatment

In a triage situation, the primary goal is to quickly assess and categorize patients based on the severity of their conditions rather than to provide immediate medical treatment. The process of triage is focused on determining which patients require the most urgent attention to maximize chances of survival, especially in mass casualty incidents where resources may be limited. By avoiding immediate medical treatment, the first responder can efficiently sort patients based on their condition and prioritize care according to established triage protocols. This allows the responder to allocate resources effectively, ensuring that those who are most critically injured receive attention first, while less severe cases may have to wait. This approach is essential for managing multiple casualties and is a foundational principle of emergency response.