What does a Class 4 red tag indicate in triage?

• A. Needs immediate attention
• B. These patients have life threatening issues such as breathing
• C. They are non-urgent
• D. They require only observation

Answer: (B)

In triage, red tagging means the patient’s condition is life-threatening and requires immediate, life-saving intervention. This category is reserved for those who could deteriorate rapidly without rapid care—for example, severe breathing problems or airway compromise, heavy bleeding, or shock. Delays in treatment at this stage can result in death, so they receive the highest priority for rapid assessment and intervention.

That’s why the option describing life-threatening issues such as breathing is the best fit. It captures the urgency and the need for immediate action. By comparison, non-urgent or minor conditions would be placed in lower-priority categories (often green or yellow) and do not require immediate life-saving care.