What color triage tag should an adult patient receive who has been partially decapitated and has no pulse or breathing?

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

Answer: (B)

In mass-casualty triage, color tags quickly show who needs care first and who cannot be saved. When an adult has no pulse and is not breathing, there is no realistic chance of resuscitation in the field, so they receive the Black tag, signaling deceased or nonviable status. This directs responders to prioritize those with a chance of survival. The Red tag indicates immediate, life-threatening conditions that could be saved with rapid intervention, the Yellow tag is for delayed care, and White is not part of the standard field triage colors.