During triage, which patient category is prioritized for decontamination?

In the context of triage, the categorization of patients helps prioritize care based on the severity of their conditions. Red patients, often referred to as "immediate" or "critical," are those who require urgent medical attention to survive. During a mass casualty incident, these patients typically have life-threatening injuries that must be addressed quickly.

Decontamination is especially crucial for red patients who may have been exposed to hazardous materials, such as during chemical spills or biological incidents. Ensuring that these individuals are decontaminated as soon as possible is vital, as their immediate survival can be compromised by the harmful effects of contaminants. Effective decontamination can prevent further injury and contamination to first responders and other patients in the treatment area.

In contrast, yellow patients (delayed), green patients (minor), and blue patients (deceased) have varying levels of urgency regarding treatment and decontamination. Those in the yellow and green categories typically do not require immediate decontamination or treatment, allowing resources to focus on the red patients who are most at risk.