Triage is a process used in emergency situations to prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions. It helps medical professionals quickly assess who needs immediate care and who can wait. This method is crucial in scenarios like natural disasters or mass casualty incidents, where resources are limited. The term originates from the French word "trier," meaning to sort. In a triage system, patients are often categorized into groups, such as those needing urgent attention, those with less critical issues, and those who are unlikely to survive. This ensures that medical help is directed where it is most needed.