Which category does the START triage system assign to patients who require immediate medical attention?

The START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage system is designed to quickly categorize patients in mass casualty incidents based on the severity of their injuries and the urgency of their medical needs. The categories are color-coded to facilitate rapid identification and action.

Patients assigned to the red category require immediate medical attention due to life-threatening conditions. This group includes individuals who exhibit critical signs such as inadequate airway, severe bleeding, or altered mental status. These patients need to be prioritized for treatment and transport to ensure the best chances of survival.

In contrast, the other color categories indicate varying levels of urgency. For instance, green signifies patients with minor injuries who can wait for care, while yellow indicates those who need urgent care but are stable and can wait a designated period without immediate intervention. The blue category typically represents deceased individuals or those with injuries so severe that they are not likely to survive given the current availability of resources. Hence, the red designation highlights the most critical patients who need immediate life-saving interventions.