When sorting patients, an infant who is crying yet shows no injuries would bear which triage color tag?

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

Answer: (D)

In triage, the color tag is all about urgency and who needs care first. Red stands for immediate life-saving intervention. An infant who is crying but has no visible injuries can still deteriorate rapidly; crying may indicate distress or a developing problem with breathing, circulation, or other vital functions. Infants decompensate quickly, so they’re prioritized for rapid assessment and treatment to prevent a life-threatening situation. That’s why this infant would be tagged Red.

Green would be for minor, easily treatable cases; Yellow for delayed care; Black for deceased or unsalvageable.