Which of the following colors indicates a patient needing immediate care?

The color red is universally recognized as an indicator of urgency and the need for immediate medical attention. In emergency response systems, red typically signals high-priority situations that require swift action, such as severe injuries or life-threatening conditions. This color is used in various contexts, including triage systems, where it often denotes patients who are critical and must be treated first to improve their chances of survival.

In contrast, the other colors—green, yellow, and black—often represent varying degrees of urgency. Green might indicate a minor condition requiring care but not urgently. Yellow often signifies those needing attention but not immediately, while black is typically used for patients who are deceased or have such limited prognosis that resuscitation is not feasible. Understanding this color-coding system is essential for effective triage and ensuring that those in the most critical need receive prompt care.