Which of the following does NOT factor into START triage methods?

In the context of START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage methods, certain clinical indicators are prioritized to quickly assess and categorize patients during mass casualty incidents. START focuses on specific vital signs and overall clinical presentation to make rapid assessments.

Blood pressure is not typically a factor in the immediate triage process under START guidelines. The method emphasizes criteria that can be assessed rapidly and do not require extensive medical equipment. The primary indicators for START include respiratory rate, pulse rate, and level of consciousness.

Respiratory rate provides crucial information about a patient’s breathing status and is vital for determining if their airway is compromised. Pulse rate offers insight into the patient's circulatory status and overall perfusion. The level of consciousness is assessed through simple tests such as the AVPU scale (Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive), significantly impacting triage decisions.

By omitting blood pressure from the assessment process, START allows first responders to make quick judgments that are critical in emergencies where time and resources are limited. Thus, the correct response is that blood pressure does not factor into START triage methods.