Which technique is critical when performing triage in a multi-casualty incident?

Assessing the severity of injuries is crucial during triage in a multi-casualty incident because it allows responders to prioritize treatment based on the urgency of patients' conditions. In a situation where many individuals are injured, not all can be treated simultaneously. By evaluating the severity of injuries, responders can identify those who require immediate medical attention to prevent loss of life or serious complications. This triage process enables effective resource allocation, ensuring that those in greatest need receive care first, which can significantly impact overall outcomes in a mass casualty scenario.

In such situations, counting the number of victims provides basic situational awareness but does not facilitate effective care prioritization. While immediate transport is essential for critically injured patients, it must be based on their triaged status, not just an automatic response. Designingating a treatment area helps organize care, but without assessing injury severity first, it does not ensure that the most urgently needy patients are treated promptly.