ObjectivesThis paper assesses the level of uniformity among Victorian public hospital triage nurses in utilising the National Triage Scale and compares triage agreement between nurses working in similar hospitals and with similar triage experience.

AimThe aim of this study was to make an assessment of the way in which triage is conducted in Victoria's public hospital emergency departments, and to determine the degree of uniformity that exists in relation to staff experience, triage guidelines and physical observations recorded at triage.

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First, although it is not possible to predict the number and types of casualties, it is recommended to provide an adequate number of nurses (1-1.5:1 nurse:physician ratio). Furthermore, the nurses should be specialized and rotated as needed. Second, the language and cultural barriers, despite the abundance of translators, should not be undermined. And finally, the hygienic status in a field hospital requires management by nurses with active participation of all members.

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