Which colors represent the categories utilized to triage patients during a mass casualty incident?

The colors representing the categories utilized to triage patients during a mass casualty incident are universally recognized as green, yellow, red, and black. Each color corresponds to a specific status of patient urgency and treatment priority:

• Red indicates those who require immediate medical attention and have life-threatening injuries. These patients are prioritized for treatment to improve their chances of survival.

• Yellow signifies patients who have serious injuries but can wait a short while for treatment. Their condition is stable, allowing them to be treated after red-tagged individuals.

• Green is used for patients with minor injuries, often referred to as "walking wounded." They can wait for treatment without risking their health, making them the lowest priority in a triage situation.

• Black denotes patients who are deceased or whose injuries are so severe that they are unlikely to survive even with medical intervention. These individuals are not prioritized for treatment during mass casualty scenarios.

This system helps emergency responders efficiently allocate resources and provide care based on the severity of the injuries, ensuring that those most in need receive attention as quickly as possible. Other color combinations do not accurately reflect the standard triage categories recognized in emergency management protocols.