What is a patient assessment in triage?

Patient assessment is the stage of the triage process where the condition and expected prognosis for the patient is determined, says Patient. The result of the assessment determines the priority that is given to the patient for treatment.

The assessment begins with identifying any immediately life-threatening injuries based on the airway, breathing, circulation, disability and exposure, or ABCDE, principle, according to Patient. The patients are then sorted into three groups based on those who are going to survive without medical care, those who are likely to survive after care, and those expected to die even after care is given, explains MedicineNet.