Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What triage category best describes a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing?

1. Immediate (red)

2. Delayed (yellow)

3. Expectant (black)

4. Minor (green)

The correct answer is: Expectant (black)

The triage category that best fits a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing is the expectant category, often denoted as black. This classification is used for patients who are not likely to survive given their current condition, and all immediate interventions would not change the outcome significantly. In a mass casualty situation, this allows healthcare providers to prioritize those patients who have a better chance of survival with immediate treatment. This category helps in resource allocation during emergencies, ensuring that those who can be saved—typically patients in the immediate category—receive the necessary attention first. It’s crucial for responders to make these decisions quickly, often within seconds, based on the patient’s clinical status.