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Abstract
In terms of the setting of priorities for resource allocation, two general principles are important. These are equity and utility. Based on these two concepts, there are two historically discrete models for triage of limited resources. These are the French egalitarian model based on equity and the British military model based on utility. Modern paramedic and emergency room care in multiple casualty situations favors the triage model based on utility. Modern ICU care favors the triage model based on equity. There are issues to be addressed in both triage responses. In a pandemic, both the utilitarian model and the equity model are active, and their applicability changes as the trajectory of the pandemic progresses.
Keywords: Pandemic, triage, equity, utility
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Cite as: Paul Walker, “Triage in a Pandemic: Equity, Utility, or Both?,” Ethics & Medicine 36, no. 3 (2020): 147–152.
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About the Author
Paul Walker, OAM, MBBS, PhD, FRACS, FACS
Paul Walker, OAM, MBBS PhD, FRACS, FACS, is a Surgeon and Conjoint Professor in Surgery and the Clinical Unit in Ethics and Health Law, in the Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.