The sorting of accident victims according to the severity of their injuries is known as what?

Triage is the process of sorting accident victims based on the severity of their injuries to ensure that those who need immediate medical attention receive it as quickly as possible. This method prioritizes care by classifying patients into categories, typically ranging from those in critical condition requiring urgent intervention to those with minor injuries who can wait for treatment.

The significance of triage lies in its ability to manage limited resources effectively in emergency situations, such as mass casualty incidents, where the number of victims may exceed the available medical personnel and facilities. By employing triage, responders can maximize survival rates by addressing the most life-threatening cases first.

The other terms mentioned do not encompass the specific process that triage represents. Assessment generally refers to evaluating the condition or situation at hand, while response indicates the actions taken after an assessment or in reaction to an event. Evaluation suggests a review process rather than the urgent sorting of patients. Thus, triage is the most appropriate term for this critical function in emergency response.