Which patient should be assigned a yellow tag in the START triage system?

In the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage system, the yellow tag is designated for patients who require urgent care but who are not in immediate life-threatening situations. The criteria for assigning a yellow tag focus on patients who can wait for treatment but still exhibit concerning signs that require timely intervention.

The patient who is unresponsive and not breathing would be classified as catastrophic and unresponsive, necessitating immediate attention—a red tag due to the severity of their condition. The elderly patient showing signs of shock also poses an immediate threat to life, which similarly warrants a red tag, as shock status can deteriorate quickly without intervention. The child with minor abrasions and stable vital signs is less critical and would receive a green tag, indicating they can wait for care, as their injuries are non-life-threatening.

The correct choice, therefore, is the female with a respiratory rate of 22, a palpable radial pulse, and the ability to follow commands. Although her respiratory rate is elevated, she is stable enough to follow commands and has a radial pulse, indicating that while she may require care soon, she is not in immediate danger. This makes her a candidate for the yellow tag, as she falls within the category of requiring urgent care but is not in