Assessment of a triage label system during a major incident exercise.

The Metag triage label system was assessed during a major incident exercise at an international airport. The exercise simulated a crash of a plane carrying 40 passengers within the airport boundaries. A secondary incident also was staged involving an explosion resulting in a fire with three victims injured. The exercise involved the airport, fire, police, ambulance, and medical services of three counties--Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire. Use of the labels enabled evaluation of the triage process, early medical intervention for victims, and completion of the cards.