Question

During search and rescue, a victim is found pinned under a steel beam. The individual has respirations of <8/minute, is cool to the touch, and is unresponsive. Using the START tool, which color tag would be used for this victim?

1) Immediate (Red)
2) Delayed (Yellow)
3) Minor (Green)
4) Deceased (Black)

Answer 1

The victim described has dire symptoms and, using the START tool, would be assigned the Immediate (Red) tag for urgent medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) tool during search and rescue efforts, the correct color tag for a victim with respirations of <8/minute, who is cool to the touch, and unresponsive is Immediate (Red). This indicates that they require immediate medical attention due to their life-threatening condition. The START system is designed to quickly categorize victims based on the severity of their injuries and their need for urgent care, where those tagged as red need immediate intervention to save their lives.