How Emergency Cases Are Prioritized

Triage Level 1
Resuscitation
Conditions that are a threat to life requiring immediate aggressive interventions to restore or preserve life.
  • Unresponsive
  • Near respiratory arrest
  • Unconscious
  • Major trauma
  • Shock
Triage Level 2
Emergent
Conditions that are a potential threat to life, limb, or function requiring immediate intervention.
  • Severe respiratory distress
  • Head injury – with altered mental status
  • Chest pain – high cardiac suspicion or trauma
  • Severe trauma, moderate/severe dyspnea
Triage Level 3
Urgent
Conditions that indicate a serious illness or injury requiring intervention. Usually associated with significant distress/discomfort.
  • Asthma – respiratory distress
  • Head injury – no altered mental status
  • Chest pain – high musculoskeletal suspicion
  • Seizure alert on arrival
Triage Level 4
Less Urgent
Conditions presenting as an illness or injury requiring intervention. Intervention can be delayed without harmful consequence.
  • Asthma – mild respiratory distress
  • Chest pain – no distress – no cardiac history
  • Constipation – moderate abdominal distress
  • Minor lacerations
  • Minor infections
Triage Level 5
Non Urgent
Conditions that indicate a minor illness or injury for which intervention could be delayed or deferred indefinitely.
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Return visits to ER for re-check etc.

Find a Clinic or Service

Thank You
Thank You

“This letter is written to express my utmost appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Emergency Team at KDH. Last Tuesday morning I received a phone call from my teenage son Markus’s school informing me that he had inadvertently eaten a cookie containing peanuts. As he has a life-threatening peanut allergy, this was an immediate cause for concern. Markus was taken to the ER and immediately given a dose of norepinephrine, followed by an infusion after he had a second reaction. Markus was transferred to CHEO by ambulance later in the afternoon. As you can imagine, this was an incredibly impactful experience for Markus and my entire family. We have such respect for the wonderful work of the Emergency Team at KDH, to whom Markus owes his life. Everyone was caring, kind and professional. Special thanks go to Dr. Pelletier, Dr. Jones, and nurses Catherine, Heather, and Melissa."

Margret