The State Wide Triage System for NY.
The tragic events of 9/11 showed an unprecedented level of response and commitment from EMS agencies throughout New York State. This amazing response from dedicated and skilled professionals indicated that a large scale response within New York State would require a high level of inter-agency co-operation and coordination. In line with the Department of Health’s continued drive to improve the level of response to complex incidents, a review was undertaken into EMS incident command and triage systems.
There are many different companies selling or printing Triage tags. None of the companies identified provided or had training programs to support their tags. The system, which best fulfilled all the requirements of the New York State Department of Health, was from the UK. The Smart Incident Command System™ from TSG Associates Ltd, has been operational in the UK for six years with an excellent track record in both military and civilian settings. It has been utilized to great effect by the EMS Crews in London Ambulance Service and is growing in popularity within in the US.
The Smart Incident Command System™ uses all that is practical with present day triage (uniform color coding, START triage, ICS terminology) but also addresses the shortfalls of many triage tools.
The Smart Triage Tag uses a clever patented folding system, which allows downgrading the patient's status without having to use a new triage tag. Coupled with simple ideas such as, red light sticks to illuminate priority one patients at night, and a tape for pediatric triage. The Smart Incident Command System™ assist in bringing a basic level of organization to the early scene response.
The acceptance and proper use of the new triage tag is essential to maintain a high level of preparedness universally throughout the state. To that end a training program has been implemented state wide to ensure that all providers are educated in the system.
“I could have just bought more tags, but I didn't just want tags. I wanted it done differently with education and outreach being the focus. I found that you guys (TSG Associates) had the proper mixture of a product that was also part of a system that was capable of evolving as needed. Additionally, you were already working on the education module which was what I wanted for our instructors and training officers.” James Soto, Associate Director - Disaster Preparedness. Bureau of EMS New York State Dept. of Health
The training program is a team effort and has seen EMS State staff; consultants from TSG and staff from Bound Tree Medical (the distributor of the equipment) all contribute to a very successful and rewarding project to date.
“Can't say enough about feeling that if I have a question or need some assistance, I feel confident that you guys will back me up. Bound Tree and their local sales folks have been great to work with and also very supportive. Between TSG and BoundTree, they always wanted it done right, so I appreciate it.” James Soto, Associate Director - Disaster Preparedness. Bureau of EMS New York State Dept. of Health
Each EMS agency attending one of the many training sessions is issued with a Smart Triage Pac ™ for each of their ambulance vehicles.
For more information about the training programs and the implementation of the State wide mass casualty triage system please contact our NY State Training Team at ussales@smartmci.com
The State of Nevada have also chosen to adopt the Smart Tag as their State Disaster Triage Tag
