West Coast EMT Block One Exam

At what age or weight is the JumpSTART triage system intended to be used for children?

1. 7 years; 90 lb

2. 6 years; 70 lb

3. 5 years; 50 lb

4. 8 years; 100 lb

The correct answer is: 8 years; 100 lb

The JumpSTART triage system is specifically designed for pediatric patients to help emergency responders quickly assess and prioritize treatment during mass casualty incidents. The system utilizes both age and weight criteria to categorize children effectively, acknowledging that physiological differences in children necessitate different approaches compared to adults. In this context, the correct choice states that the system is intended for children up to 8 years old or weighing up to 100 pounds. This age and weight limit aligns with developmental considerations as children under 8 are generally still in a stage of growth and may respond differently to medical interventions compared to older children and adults. The 100-pound threshold is also significant as it helps ensure that the assessment remains relevant for a certain size range that can be typical for younger children. It's crucial to implement such triage systems accurately in emergencies to ensure the most critical patients are identified and treated efficiently. This age and weight limit helps in maintaining uniformity and consistency when categorizing patients at mass casualty scenes.