[Scan-DC] Red Tag, Yellow Tag, etc

Fri, 5 Dec 2003 15:53:31 -0500

Jim,

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue uses the color coding system of triage.
Triage is done in this manner to quickly identify who needs care and in
what order they should be cared for as resources arrive on scene.  Red
tags have priority, yellow next and green last.  In an incident that
involves numerous patients, the person(s) performing the initial triage
will tie color coded ribbons or plastic tape to the wrist of each
patient.  This makes a good visual for identifying priorities.  This is
also what is taught to all EMT's in Virginia.  Your description of the
color meanings are accurate.  In addition, you can also determine the
severity of injury by the type of unit that is transporting.  An
ambulance transports non life threatening injuries/illnesses, ie; simple
fractures, illness, sprains & strains, etc,.  A medic unit transports
any injury/illess that is or could become life threatening ie; head
injury, heart attack, open fracture, diabetic emergency, etc.  I hope
this helps all in understanding what they are listening to.  Contact me
if you need any additional info.

Sheldon Levi
Photographer/EMT
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue
Deputy Sheriff
City of Falls Church

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of James Richardson
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2003 1:52 PM
To: Randy Benn
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Scan-DC] Red Tag, Yellow Tag, etc

>This morning there was a serious accident in Loudoun County with 2
>pickups involved in a head-on on Rt 15.  I heard the rescue 
>personnel describe the patients as "2 red tags and 1 yellow tag." 
>I'm assuming this has to do with their overall assesment of the 
>patients when they arrive on the scene. Can anyone provide any more 
>details on exactly what this means?

Yes it's Triage of the patients (french word for sorting)

It varies but in most systems Green is walking wounded, Yellow has 
potential but is not severe, Red is a life threatening injury(s) and 
black is dead.

Jim<
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