In a mass casualty situation, which group should receive care first?

In a mass casualty situation, the group assigned a red tag is prioritized for care. This classification indicates that these patients have life-threatening injuries but can still be stabilized with immediate medical intervention. The triage system is designed to maximize the number of survivors, and those in need of urgent care are prioritized to address their critical conditions promptly.

Red-tagged patients typically display signs that require immediate attention, such as compromised airway, severe bleeding, or major trauma to vital organs. By focusing on this group first, medical responders can significantly improve the chances of survival for those in dire need of care.

In contrast, patients assigned a yellow tag are classified as needing significant care but can wait a short period without immediate treatment, while those with green tags are less critical and can wait even longer. Black-tagged patients are the most severely injured and are not likely to survive, so while their needs are acknowledged, they are deprioritized in favor of individuals who have a better chance of recovery with prompt medical attention.