JumpSTART versus START: which statement is true about JumpSTART?

• A. JumpSTART is specifically designed for pediatric triage.
• B. JumpSTART applies to all age groups.
• C. JumpSTART is only used for chemical exposures.
• D. JumpSTART is an adult triage algorithm for rapid evacuation.

Answer: (D)

JumpSTART is designed for pediatric triage. It’s a pediatric adaptation of START used in mass casualty incidents to quickly identify children who need immediate life-saving care and rapid evacuation. The algorithm accounts for the differences in pediatric physiology and communication, using age-appropriate cues and thresholds rather than adult criteria. It is not meant for all age groups, not limited to chemical exposures, and not an adult triage tool. This is why JumpSTART serves specifically as pediatric triage for rapid evacuation of children in disaster settings.