Page 190 - PJ MED OPS Handbook 8th Ed

Triage Categories

Each Patients Triage Assessment Should Be Completed In Less Than 60 Seconds
Category I: Immediate Examples:
(red chemlite) • (Any MARCH issue)
• Airway obstruction
• Flail/open chest wound
• Tension pneumothorax/hemothorax
• Massive hemorrhage
• 20–70% burns
• Unstable vital signs
• Severe TBI (unconscious, alive patient)
Category II: Delayed Examples:
(green chemlite) • Open fractures with PMS intact
• Soft tissue injuries
• Moderate TBI (stable vital signs)
• Open abdominal wounds
Category III: Minimal Examples:
(no chemlite) remain armed • Minor abrasions, burns, sprains lacerations
continue to engage. a • Moderate/Mild anxiety
• Fractures/dislocations with PMS
• Mild TBI
Category IV: Expectant or Hero Examples:
(blue chemlite) b • Massive head or spinal injury
• Third degree burns >70% BSA
• Injuries incompatible with life
a In combat, it is assumed that minimals will continue to stay armed/engaged if no mental status altering phar-
maceuticals are given for pain.
b Expectant category is ONLY used in combat operations and/or when the requirements to adequately treat these
patients exceed the available resources. In peacetime, it is generally assumed that all patients have a chance of
survival.

188 n Pararescue Medical Operations Handbook / 8th Edition