What does a red tag indicate in triage?

In triage, a red tag indicates that a patient requires immediate care due to a life-threatening condition. This categorization is crucial during mass casualty incidents when medical resources are limited, and prioritization of care is essential. The red tag signifies that the individual has critical injuries or conditions that, without prompt intervention, could result in death. Examples of such conditions might include severe bleeding, airway obstruction, or significant respiratory distress.

This prioritization helps ensure that those in the most critical need receive treatment promptly, potentially saving their lives. By choosing to tag a patient red, medical responders can effectively manage limited resources and maximize outcomes in emergency situations.