Geriatric Trauma: Triage Guidelines

Purpose of Review: This review focuses on triage decisions and early decision-making in the management of the acutely injured elderly patient. Recent Findings: The geriatric population in the USA is experiencing the largest growth in history, and injury has become an increasingly common cause of death in those aged 65 years and older. Morbidity and mortality are markedly increased compared to younger patients so trauma providers must critically evaluate triage, diagnostic, and early management decisions. Numerical age has also been called into question as the ideal barometer of enhanced risk for poor outcomes, as physiologic status and markers of frailty have been suggested as more specific. But traditional physiologic markers of severe injury may not be reliably present in the injured elderly, risking potential undertriage of severely injured patients. Summary: Triage of the geriatric trauma patient can rapidly guide trauma system or trauma team interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality in this high-risk patient population.