Every disaster of consequence proves one thing beyond all doubt: that a simple, standard, thoroughly functional casualty triage tag is needed if we are to be serious about maximizing the survival rate of victims.

The METTAG MT-137 is the Triage Tag used to maximize survivors.

Tested and developed under scrutiny of doctors, nurses, firefighters, rescue personnel, industrial safety experts, travel safety directors, and civil defense specialists, the original METTAG MT-137 Triage Tag was launched in 1976.

Triage tags, of course, were nothing new even back then. Many variations of triage tags have been used over the last several decades. Most tags, though, are far too complicated for rapid first response use. The need for a simple and effective triage tag without language barriers will always exist. METTAG is committed to keeping the MT-137 as close to its initial design over 40 years ago, much to the appreciation of the professionals for whom it was developed.

The Original METTAG MT-137 provides first responders and rescue personnel with the standard triaging features needed to enable them to perform a prompt and accurate assessment of a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) victim's injuries and to easily record the data.

The MT-137 is used extensively by U.S. military units, fire and EMT personnel, as well as a large number of federal, state and local response agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Corrections, and state and local Emergency Management Agencies and Operations Centers.

In the event of a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), where multiple victims are injured and require varying degrees of medical attention, it is absolutely imperative that first responders have a quick, easy, and reliable method of assessing victims and assigning them with an appropriate triage or priority status, based on the severity of their injuries. The MT-137 Triage Tag has been tested and proven for over 40 years to provide this method.

The Original MT-137 Medical Emergency Triage Tag is constructed of a high-density damage resistant synthetic material, and is printed using a special thermal printing process, allowing use in the harshest and most demanding field situations. Additionally, each Medical Emergency Triage Tag is equipped with a 30-inch elastic band, which is used for attaching the tag to the victim's body, usually around the neck or to an available limb.

Each MT-137 is coded with a unique sequential barcode serial number, which aids in the identification and tracking of victims and their belongings through the various phases of the triage and treatment processes, both in the field, as well as into the receiving hospital emergency care facilities. These unique serial numbers are conveniently located on both the top right and top left diagonal tear-offs, as well as on the lower color coded tear-offs.

By utilizing standard graphic symbols and a four-color tear-off triaging system, the Standard Medical Emergency Field Triage tag (MT-137) is truly a universal tool, in that it presents no language or literacy barriers, and can be used in the field by anyone, of any nationality, with minimal training or hands-on experience. A policy of using METTAG products in day-to-day emergencies will automatically establish familiarity and provide faster and more effective victim triaging in the event of an actual MCI or other emergency.