Listed below are some of the advantages of the DMS tag and instructions for its use.

• The tag is constructed of 100% synthetic paper. This makes the tag completely waterproof. The tag readily accepts ball point pen when wet and has been tested in all decontamination solutions.
  
  
• The Contaminated strip running the length of the triage tag has three functions. First to prevent the tag from being used until patient contamination has been considered. Second, to identify victims who have been exposed to a hazardous material, and third to aid rescuers with identifying clothing (evidence) belonging to victims. After a victim's clothing has been removed and placed into an airtight clear plastic bag, the long CONTAMINATED tear off strip is placed inside the bag face out. The numbered tag allows for clear identification of items for retrieval by the owner or for investigative purposes. If contamination is not an issue, the strip may be removed and standard triage procedures may be initiated.
  
  
• The Personal Property Receipt/Evidence tag found at the top of the tag is to be used for identifying valuables removed from victims. (Jewelry, wallets, watches, cash etc..). These items should be collected and placed in a smaller one-gallon clear plastic bag. The back of the Personal Property Receipt tag may be used to record property of unusual value. The property tag is than placed with the valuables and sealed. At this point both the clothing bag and the property bag are placed into a second large plastic bag and sealed using duct tape or other air tight measures. At this point the remainder of the tag is placed over the victims head and becomes identification for the victim and a claim ticket for personal property after the incident.
  
  
• The Gross Decon and Secondary Decon check boxes are to be used after victims have undergone Decontamination procedures. The Solution used during decontamination will be recorded on the tag. It should be noted that no patient should be allowed to leave the exclusion zone without undergoing decontamination procedures.
  
  
• Once contamination has been ruled out or decon procedures completed, the next step will be to follow START triage guidelines. On the back of the tag the R.P.M. pneumonic will be used while referring to the flow chart located directly above. Once the patients have been categorized they are ready to be moved to the treatment area.
  
  
• The front of the tag is than used to record injuries and their anatomical locations, as well as vital signs and medications.
  (Atropine, 2-Pam, 1V solutions etc..)
  
  
• The second tear off tag from the top is to be used for recording patient destination. The tag may be removed just prior to the patient leaving the scene. Both the destination and how the patient was transported (ambulance number, helicopter, bus, etc.) shall be recorded on the tag.