What is the purpose of performing secondary triage in a mass-casualty incident?

Performing secondary triage in a mass-casualty incident focuses on re-evaluating and reassessing the severity of patients' conditions based on new information that may have come to light after the initial triage process. During a mass-casualty event, initial assessments may be based on limited information and immediate life-threatening situations. As time progresses and additional resources become available, the conditions of patients can be better understood, and the prioritization of care can be more accurately determined.

For example, a patient initially assessed as "urgent" may later present signs that indicate a more significant injury or illness than first thought, necessitating a change in their triage category. This process also allows responders to redistribute resources more effectively, ensuring that the most critically in need receive the care they require.

The other options do not capture the intended purpose of secondary triage effectively. Sending patients to the hospital focuses on logistics rather than assessment, providing immediate treatment is a primary triage function, and monitoring patient conditions is an ongoing process rather than a specific purpose of secondary triage. Therefore, the central aim of secondary triage is to refine the assessment and facilitate the most effective allocation of medical resources during a chaotic situation.