In START triage, what do the color codes represent?

• A. Red = immediate, Yellow = delayed, Green = minor, Black = expectant/deceased
• B. Red = delayed, Yellow = immediate, Green = minor, Black = deceased
• C. Red = minor, Yellow = immediate, Green = delayed, Black = deceased
• D. Red = immediate, Yellow = minor, Green = delayed, Black = deceased

Answer: (A)

In START triage, color codes quickly indicate who needs attention first and who is unlikely to benefit from immediate care, guiding rapid lifesaving decisions. Red means immediate—life-threatening injuries that require rapid intervention to save a life. Yellow means delayed—injuries are serious but stable enough to wait a short time. Green means minor—walking wounded who can wait longer or require minimal care. Black means deceased or expectant—injuries that are not survivable given the scene and resources. The described mapping matches this system exactly: Red for immediate, Yellow for delayed, Green for minor, and Black for deceased. Other mappings mix up urgency and survivability, which would misdirect prioritization.