Triage and Its Ethical Problems

Abstract

Mass disasters are exceptional situations, requiring exceptional efforts of medical services and institutions, to overcome the problems and consequences of those affected. According to a commonly accepted definition, a disproportion between objectively required and actually possible aid is the main distinguishing mark. In such a situation, the target function of health systems must change as much as possible to help save injured persons lives and to avoid severe consequences, because simultaneous aid for all is temporarily impossible.