July Professional Focus: Master  Triage and Basic Life-Saving Skils

Note: For healthcare providers (Check in & participate  every month to sharpen your competency skills)

Overview: Every second counts in an emergency. Whether it’s a child in respiratory distress, a mother in eclampsia, or a trauma patient with internal bleeding — rapid, accurate triage and emergency response can mean the difference between life and death.

In Kenya and East Africa, health providers often operate in high-pressure, low-resource settings hence the need for core emergency and triage skills to improve outcomes.

"Strengthening first-line emergency care at the facility level is a national health priority" - WHO.

Tips for Mastering Basic Emergency Response & Triage

1.  Follow the ABCDE Protocol

Use this structured approach to rapidly assess and stabilize patients:

A – Airway: Check for obstruction, secure airway if needed

B – Breathing: Look for respiratory distress; give oxygen if SpO₂ < 94%

C – Circulation: Check pulse, BP, signs of bleeding or shock

D – Disability: Assess consciousness using AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive)

E – Exposure: Undress to check for injuries, rashes, or bleeding

Note: Don’t move past one step until the life-threatening issues at that step are addressed.

2.  Use Emergency Triage Systems

Apply WHO’s ETAT (Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment) in children

For adults, use color-coded categories:

Red – Immediate care

Yellow – Urgent

Green – Minor

Black – Deceased/no chance of survival

Example:

  • A child with convulsions and high fever = RED (Emergency)
  • An adult with minor bruises but stable vitals = GREEN (Non-urgent)

3.  Recognize Signs of Shock Quickly

  • Cold extremities
  • Rapid, thready pulse
  • Hypotension
  • Confusion or drowsiness

ACTION: Lay the patient flat, start IV access, and give the right  normal saline bolus ( for children and for adults). Monitor closely and prepare for referral if no improvement.

4.  Oxygen is a Life-Saver – Use It Early

Administer oxygen for:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • SpO₂ < 94%
  • Severe anemia
  • Chest trauma

N/B: If oxygen is limited, prioritize critically ill patients and children.

5.  Prevent Further Harm

Immobilize suspected fractures or spine injuries

Clean wounds and stop bleeding with pressure

Do not give oral meds or food if surgery is likely

Document vitals and time of intervention for referrals.

6.  Refer Without Delay

Know your limits. Initiate stabilization, then refer quickly for:

  • Head injuries with altered mental status
  • Eclampsia or unresponsive seizures
  • Major trauma or internal bleeding
  • Sepsis with hypotension

N/B: Use proper referral documentation, call the receiving facility if possible, and arrange safe transport.

Check the following Resources for Further Learning:

  • WHO Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) Guidelines
  • Kenya Ministry of Health – Emergency Medical Care Policy 2020–2030
  • Red Cross First Aid and BLS (Basic Life Support) Training
  • AFEM Handbook of Acute and Emergency Care (African Federation for Emergency Medicine)

 To further drill this skills as a Healthcare provider, you can: 

  • Practice a mock triage drill at your facility this month
  • Identify and label your emergency supplies and oxygen sources
  • Review your referral SOPs and nearest advanced care facility contacts

NOTE: “In emergencies, doing the basics well — and fast — is what saves lives.”

#MedicallProfessionalFocusSeries