RPM-30-2-Can Do
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RPM-30-2-Can Do is a mnemonic device for the criteria used in the START triage system, which is used to sort patients into categories at a mass casualty incident.[1][2][3] The mnemonic is pronounced "R, P, M, thirty, two, can do."
Using the START system, GREEN (MINOR) patients are easily identified by their ability to walk to a designated treatment area when told to do so immediately after the first responders' arrival.[4]
Deceased patients are easily identified by apnea with no return of spontaneous respirations when their airway is repositioned. These patients are triaged BLACK (EXPECTANT/DECEASED).[4]
"RPM-30-2-Can do" helps responders differentiate between the other two triage categories: YELLOW (DELAYED) and RED (IMMEDIATE). "30, 2, Can Do" stands for the criteria that delineate these two categories:
- Respirations: Is the patient's respiratory rate over 30 per minute?
- Perfusion: Is capillary refill over or under 2 seconds?
- Mental status: Is the patient able to follow simple commands (the patient can do what you ask them to)?
To be triaged YELLOW (DELAYED) , the patient must meet all of these criteria:
| R | 30 | Respiratory rate is under 30 per minute. |
| P | 2 | Perfusion is adequate, indicated by capillary refill under 2 seconds.[4] |
| M | Can Do | Mental status is adequate, indicated by the patient's ability to follow simple commands (the patient can do what they are asked) |
If any one of these criteria are not met, the patient is triaged RED (IMMEDIATE).