Ten Second Triage (TST)

POLICY SUMMARY

As of January 2026, PBEM has adopted the Ten Second Triage (TST) protocol, in alignment with Portland Fire & Rescue and the guidance of the Medical Director of Multnomah County Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Jonathan Jui.

The goals and result of all triage methods, including ABC and START are the same. This is the new, more efficient way of quickly assessing, tagging, and documenting survivors' conditions during the rapid medical triage stage of response.

Effective date	January 08, 2026
Last revised	February 25, 2026
Policy owner	PBEM Community Preparedness Team
Author(s)	Glenn C. Devitt (PBEM)

Reason for Policy

• Safety: Operating using a standard medical triage protocol ensures efficient operations for PBEM volunteers, and the most beneficial evaluation of survivors for next-level care.
• City liability and risk management: PBEM volunteers are required to operate within their training to maintain indemnification.
• Consistency and interoperability: Ten Second Triage (TST) is recommended for all agencies under the guidance of Multnomah County Emergency Medical Services, including Portland Fire & Rescue.

Policy Statement

PBEM volunteers learn and use the Ten Second Triage (TST) protocol to evaluate survivors during and after disasters, to sort them for appropriate higher-level care.

Scope

This policy applies to all PBEM volunteers (NET or ATV) and all prospective PBEM volunteers

Forms

• TST Protocol Flowchart & Patient Tally Sheet - print two sheets per page, duplex
• Ten Second Triage UK website