During triage, what does a red tag generally signify for a patient?

In the context of triage, a red tag is assigned to patients who require immediate medical care. This classification is part of a prioritization system used in emergency situations to quickly identify patients who are in critical condition and need immediate attention to survive. The red tag typically indicates that the patient has life-threatening injuries or conditions that, if not addressed promptly, could lead to their death.

This system is crucial in disaster scenarios where resources are limited, and health care providers must make quick, informed decisions about where to direct their efforts. By tagging patients red, responders ensure that those who have the highest need for urgent interventions receive care first, maximizing the chances of survival for the most critical cases.