In the standard triage tag system, which color tag corresponds to 'delayed'?

• A. Green
• B. Yellow
• C. Red
• D. Black

Answer: (B)

In mass-casualty triage, colors signal how soon each patient needs care. The tag for delayed is yellow because these patients have injuries that are serious but not immediately life-threatening, so they can wait a short time before treatment without an imminent risk to their life. Red tags indicate immediate, life-threatening conditions requiring rapid intervention. Green tags are for minor injuries that can wait longer, and black tags are used for deceased or non-survivable injuries given the current resources. So yellow is the color that represents delayed care. For example, someone with a stable airway and breathing but a significant fracture may be categorized as delayed and treated after those in immediate need have been stabilized. If a patient’s condition worsens, they can be re-triaged to a higher priority.