To determine if instituting an Emergency Department (ED) fast-track area would increase efficiency in patient flow, improve utilization of limited resources, and identify critical versus non-critical patients during disaster relief in Port au Prince, Haiti.

A survey was conducted at L'Hôpital de l'Université d'Etat d'Haïti (HUEH) in Port au Prince, Haiti by Emergency physicians and nurses from SUNY Downstate Medical Center on a disaster relief mission following the 2010 earthquake. The following variables were obtained to assess ED effectiveness: number of patients, acuity level, chief complaints, critical interventions, waiting times, length of stay, specialty service coverage and physical plant space. Additionally, existing practitioners were surveyed regarding existing ED practices. ED operation flow maps were created.

The assessment revealed a large volume of low-acuity patients mixed with high-acuity patients without identification of acuity level, time of arrival, or designated area for treatment. Although literature reports routine use of START triage, this was not being implemented in this setting. Results of implementing a fast track area included: (1) Improved identification of patients needing immediate treatment. (2) Increased flow of low acuity patients in designated fast track areas. (3) Improved triage protocols maximized appropriate use of resources, and expedited subspecialty consultation.

By instituting well-accepted, validated patient flow systems and reinforcing communication regarding resources available and the use of geographic space, better management of incoming emergency patients was achieved.