Field Manual: Mayday S.T.A.R.T. II Triage Medical Kit SOP

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Field Manual: Mayday S.T.A.R.T. II Triage Medical Kit SOP

Category: First Aid Kits

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The Mayday S.T.A.R.T. II Triage Medical Kit is a field-ready triage and initial stabilization kit designed to enable trained first responders and CERT operators to assess, categorize, and treat multiple casualties during a Mass Casualty Incident until advanced EMS assets arrive.

The kit is built around the S.T.A.R.T. methodology, prioritizing the RPM assessment sequence: Respirations, Perfusion, and Mental Status. Each non-ambulatory patient is assessed in under 60 seconds and assigned one of four triage categories: IMMEDIATE (Red), DELAYED (Yellow), MINOR (Green), or DECEASED (Black). This protocol ensures responders do the most good for the most people rather than committing resources to a single casualty.

The kit's equipment inventory covers the full spectrum of initial stabilization capability. Hemorrhage control assets include Bloodstopper trauma dressings, 5x9 Surgipad combine dressings, sterile gauze rolls, and Ace bandages for pressure application. Solar blankets address shock management and hypothermia prevention for all Red-tagged patients. Wire splints, triangular bandages, and burn gel dressings support Delayed and Minor patient care during the secondary sweep.

Operators must understand the kit's documented limitations before deployment. It does not include tourniquets, hemostatic agents, chest seals, or advanced airway adjuncts such as OPA or NPA devices. For catastrophic limb hemorrhage that pressure dressings cannot control, direct manual pressure is the only available intervention. These limitations must be communicated to incoming EMS upon hand-off.

Field Application Steps

1. CONFIRM SCENE SAFETY: Before any patient contact, verify the scene is free of active hazards such as fire or chemical exposure. If hazards are present, do not enter and notify dispatch immediately.

2. DON PPE AND STAGE THE KIT: Both responders don nitrile gloves before approaching any casualty. Unfold the kit completely on a clean, stable surface to allow organized access to all components.

3. CLEAR WALKING WOUNDED: One responder uses a loud voice command and the whistle to direct ambulatory casualties: "If you can hear my voice and can walk, move to the designated assembly area." Tag these casualties as MINOR (Green) and redirect personnel to non-ambulatory patients.

4. ASSESS RESPIRATIONS (R): Approach each non-ambulatory patient and determine if they are breathing. If not breathing, manually open the airway using head-tilt/chin-lift. If breathing resumes, tag IMMEDIATE (Red) and move to the next patient. If breathing does not resume, tag DECEASED (Black) and move on. If breathing is present and the rate exceeds 30 breaths per minute, tag IMMEDIATE (Red). If the rate is under 30, proceed to Perfusion.

5. ASSESS PERFUSION (P): Check for a radial pulse and capillary refill. If no radial pulse is present or capillary refill exceeds 2 seconds, tag IMMEDIATE (Red) and apply a Bloodstopper trauma dressing to any obvious life-threatening hemorrhage. If pulse is present and capillary refill is under 2 seconds, proceed to Mental Status.

6. ASSESS MENTAL STATUS (M): Ask the patient to squeeze your hand or show two fingers. If the patient cannot follow the command, tag IMMEDIATE (Red). If the patient can follow the command, tag DELAYED (Yellow). Complete RPM assessment for every non-ambulatory casualty before initiating secondary treatment.

7. CONDUCT SECONDARY SWEEP FOR IMMEDIATE (RED) PATIENTS: Re-assess ABCs on all Red-tagged casualties. Apply a solar blanket to manage shock and prevent hypothermia, wrapping the patient completely and tucking in the sides. Continue wound management using Bloodstoppers and Surgipads. Prepare patient information for hand-off to incoming EMS.

8. TREAT DELAYED (YELLOW) PATIENTS: Systematically assess and address non-life-threatening injuries. Apply wire splints to suspected fractures, securing with gauze rolls or Ace bandages. Apply Cool Blaze burn gel dressings to minor-to-moderate thermal burns after stopping the burn process. Do not apply burn gel to extensive burns covering large surface areas due to hypothermia risk.

9. CONSOLIDATE AND MONITOR MINOR (GREEN) PATIENTS: Keep walking wounded consolidated in the designated safe area. Provide basic first aid using assorted adhesive bandages and antiseptics for minor cuts and scrapes. Reassess this group periodically, as triage status can deteriorate without warning.

10. HAND OFF TO EMS AND DOCUMENT LIMITATIONS: Brief incoming EMS on all tagged casualties, interventions performed, and the kit's critical limitations: no tourniquet, no hemostatic agents, no chest seals, and no advanced airway adjuncts. Any life-threatening limb hemorrhage not controlled by pressure dressings must be flagged immediately for advanced intervention.

11. CONDUCT POST-DEPLOYMENT INSPECTION AND RESUPPLY: After any deployment, treat the kit as non-mission-capable until fully restocked. Generate a resupply list of all used, damaged, or expired items, and route the request through your organization's logistics chain. Do not return the kit to ready status until it is fully restocked, inspected, and documented.

Equip Yourself: Mayday S.T.A.R.T. II Triage Medical Kit (217 Piece)

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.