Table 1 Differences in trauma triage categories

 Level 1 (Most emergent)

Unresponsive or with depressed mental status after significant head trauma. Will need to go to OR or ICU immediately.

 Level 2 (Emergent)

Altered mental status (may have repetitive questioning or be slow to respond), lethargic, but able to respond verbally.

 Level 3 (Urgent)

Usually minor head trauma, may have vomiting and headache, but are awake and alert.

 Level 4 (Least urgent/Non-urgent)

Minor head trauma, appear normal with no headache or vomiting. Usually these patients present after falling while running or after running into an object.

 Red (Emergent)

One or more of: Critical vital parameters, Fracture of the base/exposed fracture, Penetrating wound or scalp, Severe dynamic^a, Anisocory or pupils not reacting to light or gaze deviation, Coagulopathy, Infant with bulging fontanelle and weeping crying

 Yellow (Intermediate)

One or more of: Prostrate child, GCS 13 or less, Loss of consciousness, Amnesia/syncope/dizziness, Persistent vomiting > 2 h from the head trauma, Persistent headache > 2 h or worsening headache, Post-traumatic convulsion resolved, Newborn, Depressed fracture, Scalp or face tear, Irritability or incessant crying, Diplopia, Soft swelling of the head

 Green (Mild)

One or more of: 1–2 episodes of vomiting < 2 h from the head trauma, Headache at the impact point, GCS 14–15, Mild dynamic^a, Infant > 6 months with no symptoms, Cephalohematoma

 White (Trivial)

Head trauma with no signs or symptoms > 6 h