In START triage, which category indicates a patient requiring immediate attention?

• A. Simple/Minor
• B. Delayed
• C. Immediate
• D. Expectant

Answer: (C)

In START triage, the category that signals someone needs immediate attention is the one labeled Immediate. This group includes patients with life-threatening injuries who can be saved only with rapid life-saving interventions and prompt transport to definitive care. They are prioritized first because delays could mean the difference between survival and death, such as requiring quick airway management, control of severe bleeding, or rapid reversal of life-threatening conditions. The other categories describe those who can wait a bit longer (delayed) or have less urgency (minor), or those who cannot be saved given limited resources (expectant). So, Immediate is the designation for patients who must receive care right away.