World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

THE MORAL CONUNDRUM IN TRIAGE DURING EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

Mela Danjin*, Balogun Babalola Joseph and Henry O. Sawyerr

ABSTRACT

For some time now the practice of sorting patients or victims of disaster and emergency events according to the urgency of their need for care has been a subject of heated philosophical debate. At the core of the argument has been the question of whether or not this practice upholds the moral ideals of justice and fairness to all. This article attempts to examine triage as a common practice during Emergency and Disaster Management in the response efforts of concerned agencies and professional bodies. Are there justifications for rendering life-saving assistance to one group considered most at risk while withholding same from another group deemed less at risk? Under the usual prevailing circumstances of limited resources during mass casualty events, is it not rather medically ethical not to insist on treating individuals who are not salvageable, as it would simply amount to wasting scarce resources that are needed elsewhere? Does triage ensure “the greatest good for the greatest number”? How do all of these situate in the principles of equal chances, utilitarianism, and egalitarianism? These Philosophical questions were examined and responded to using review of literature. This paper critically looked at some common triaging systems with a view to addressing the attendant moral conundrum.

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