The term "triage" might evoke images of emergency rooms and first responders, but its importance extends seamlessly to the world of veterinary medicine. Importantly, veterinary patient triage is fundamental to ensuring the health and well-being of our furry, feathered, and scaled veterinary patients.One of the primary functions of patient triage is the rapid identification of critical cases - to quickly assess and prioritize cases based on the severity of the condition, ensuring that immediate attention is given to those in urgent need....And while you may think... sure... triage is performed by veterinarians that are medically trained - we know that's not always the case! In fact, in the world of veterinary care, the unsung heroes often work at the front desk. Veterinary receptionists, client service representatives (CSR), client service coordinator (CSC), technician assistants, and others who perform triage in the veterinary setting play a pivotal role in the overall well-being of our veterinary patients, acting as the first point of contact and gatekeepers of the hospital. One of their critical responsibilities is implementing a "Patients First" triage system.