Ensuring patient safety is a top priority for healthcare providers. In critical moments, every second counts, and having the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize life-threatening conditions is essential. Luckily, there is a pocket-sized clinical manual that can guide triage nurses in rapidly assessing and responding to emergencies – “Emergency Triage and Patient Safety: A Pocket Guide” by Lynn Sayre Visser, MSN, RN.

This newly updated second edition of the life-saving manual offers vital information to help healthcare providers prevent “misses” or “near-misses” by quickly identifying and addressing urgent medical situations. The book begins by introducing the concept of triage and its importance in emergency care. It then delves into specific chapters addressing various medical emergencies, including endocrine emergencies, hematologic and oncologic emergencies, sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and human trafficking.

One of the standout features of this book is its focus on patient-driven chief complaints. The author provides concise information covering each body system, along with first-line questions, assessments, and interventions. This approach allows triage nurses to determine the patient’s level of urgency based on their symptoms and helps differentiate between patients who are truly sick and those who are not. The book also includes prominent icons that denote critical signs and symptoms, providing invaluable information from experienced triage and emergency department nurses.

The second edition of “Emergency Triage and Patient Safety” expands on its previous content, featuring updated screening tools and enhanced red flags, triage considerations, and key tips. The book also includes worst-case scenarios for each body system chapter, helping triage nurses prepare for the most challenging situations they may encounter. The chapters dedicated to pediatric and older adult emergencies have been extensively revised and offer new information on assessment, triage pearls, and age-related considerations.

As healthcare providers face unique challenges, such as disaster response and active shooter situations, this manual provides relevant action steps to aid in prioritizing patient care during such crises. The book covers topics like trauma, burns, and emergency management during a disaster, offering practical guidance for handling high-stress situations. It also includes reference tables and checklists to facilitate quick retrieval of crucial information.

What sets “Emergency Triage and Patient Safety” apart is its emphasis on clinical judgment and the honing of decision-making skills. The author, Lynn Sayre Visser, draws on decades of combined emergency nursing experience to enhance readers’ clinical judgment. Essential tips regarding common chief complaints are provided, shedding light on complex issues and presenting unique patient presentations.

Moreover, the book includes key considerations for pediatric and older adult patients, recognizing that these populations may require specialized care. The inclusion of the Pediatric Assessment Triangle and information on performing the A-B-C-D-E assessment for children further enhances the reader’s ability to provide comprehensive and appropriate care.

In addition to its clinical content, “Emergency Triage and Patient Safety” addresses waiting room and legal issues that are crucial for healthcare providers to understand. The book makes space for taking notes, inscribing important phone numbers, and pasting facility-specific policies and procedures, allowing for customization and personalization.

Overall, “Emergency Triage and Patient Safety: A Pocket Guide” is an indispensable resource for healthcare providers involved in emergency care. Its compact size makes it convenient to carry, and its wealth of concise information ensures quick access to crucial reference material. Whether you are a triage nurse, an emergency department nurse, or a healthcare provider involved in emergency care, this book will expedite your decision-making process and enhance your ability to provide quality care in critical situations.