What color triage tag do patients with serious ABC problems such as a breathing rate above 30 or altered mental receive?

• A. White
• B. Yellow
• C. Black
• D. Red

Answer: (D)

In mass casualty triage, colors map to how urgently a patient needs care, helping responders decide who gets attention first. For those with serious ABC problems—airway, breathing, and circulation—the goal is immediate life-saving intervention, so they receive the red tag. Breathing rate above 30 signals severe respiratory distress, and altered mental status suggests reduced brain oxygenation; both indicate a patient who could deteriorate quickly without rapid treatment, such as airway support or advanced resuscitation. Yellow is used for those who can wait a bit because their condition is serious but not immediately life-threatening. Green marks minor injuries, and Black denotes those who are deceased or not expected to survive. White isn’t part of the standard START triage system, so it doesn’t indicate immediate urgency.