Be Ready to Help: A Civilian’s Guide to Triage in Emergencies

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) caused by natural disasters, technological accidents, or intentional acts of violence increasingly challenge emergency response systems worldwide. In many situations, civilians and bystanders may become the first individuals present at the scene before professional responders arrive. This handbook, Be Ready to Help: A Civilian’s Guide to Triage in Emergencies, developed by the European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC), aims to provide accessible guidance to non-medical individuals on how to safely assist during emergencies involving multiple casualties. The publication introduces the basic principles of triage, its historical development, and the operational logic behind prioritizing victims according to injury severity in order to maximize survival outcomes. It outlines simple decision-making approaches and practical steps that civilians can follow while maintaining personal safety and supporting emergency services. Through clear explanations of triage categories, incident types, and the role of active bystanders, the handbook promotes situational awareness and responsible engagement during crisis situations. By translating core disaster medicine concepts into practical guidance for the general public, the handbook contributes to strengthening community resilience and bridging the critical time gap between the occurrence of an incident and the arrival of professional emergency responders.