EMSSA Conference
Haiti: The South African perspective
Abstract
Background and problem statement: The South African response to the Haitian earthquake consisted of two independent non-government organisations (NGOs) working separately with minimal contact. Both teams experienced problems during the deployment, mainly owing to not following the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) guidelines.
EMPodSA-03-EC Overcrowding
EMPodSA-02-LEAN
EMSSA-Podcast-01-Literature; DeMist
Nurses’ and doctors’ perceptions regarding the implementation of a triage system in an emergency unit in South Africa
Abstract
Triage assessment of patients on arrival at an emergency unit is an essential function in quality emergency care provision, and is a cost-effective and time saving venture. This study investigated nurses’ and doctors’ perceptions about the implementation of the Cape Triage Score in one emergency unit. The challenges encountered prior to the implementation of the Cape Triage Score and the roles and core competencies of the triage nurse were addressed as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the Cape Triage Score.