What is the primary purpose of triage?

The primary purpose of triage is to sort and classify patients by urgency. This process is essential in emergency situations where multiple patients may require attention simultaneously. By assessing the severity of each patient's condition, medical personnel can prioritize treatment based on who needs it most urgently. This ensures that those with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care while those with less critical needs can be attended to afterward. Triage is a critical component of effective emergency response, allowing for the optimal allocation of limited resources and maximizing patient outcomes.

The other options focus on aspects like transportation, comfort care, or administrative tasks related to insurance, which are not the primary goals of the triage process.