Before help arrives: Understanding triage in emergencies
San Marino February 2026
We are pleased to share a new publication from the CEMEC Handbook Series:“Be Ready to Help: A Civilian’s Guide to Triage in Emergencies.”
The handbook was developed with a simple idea in mind: when a crisis happens, informed citizens can play an important role in the very first moments before professional responders arrive.
Understanding basic principles such as situational awareness, safe behaviour, and the fundamentals of triage can make a real difference in chaotic situations.
The guide explains in clear and accessible terms what triage is, how mass casualty incidents are managed, and what an active bystander can realistically do while waiting for emergency services. It also reminds readers of something essential: the first rule is always personal safety.
This work was developed in collaboration with Aidana Sissenberdiyeva and Dean Brown, bringing together perspectives from disaster medicine and frontline emergency response. A sincere thank you to both of them for the collaboration, the shared experience, and the enthusiasm that helped shape this project.
#CEMEC #DisasterMedicine #Preparedness #EmergencyResponse #Triage #PublicSafety
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