When triaging a mass casualty incident, what color denotes immediate treatment required?

In the context of triaging a mass casualty incident, the color red is designated for patients who require immediate treatment. This color categorization aligns with the need to prioritize the care of those who have life-threatening injuries and conditions that necessitate urgent medical attention.

Red-tagged individuals typically exhibit signs such as severe bleeding, airway obstruction, or other critical issues that could lead to death if not addressed promptly. The use of red in this system helps first responders quickly identify and manage patients based on the severity of their conditions, ensuring that those who need urgent medical attention receive it without delay.

Other colors in the triage system represent different categories; for example, yellow is used for patients who require medical care but are stable enough to wait, while green is for those with minor injuries who can be treated later. Black is reserved for patients who are deceased or have injuries so severe that they are not expected to survive, helping responders efficiently allocate resources.