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.

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Thank You
Thank You

“It is with immense gratitude that we write to express our appreciation for our mother’s recent inpatient stay. Georgina was admitted through the ER and spent a few weeks on the inpatient medical unit before being transferred to Convalescent Care. She is 89 years of age. It is quite safe to say that her care at KDH was exemplary from her time in the ER to her organized discharge just over three months later. Our family would like to extend our warmest thanks to all the nurses, RPN's, and dietary staff who were involved in her care. We are also most grateful for the care and excellence provided to her daily by the Occupational Therapist and the Physiotherapy Team. KDH delivers excellence in the care of our aging population with a client-centred approach, with very driven teams, not only to complete daily tasks but to accomplish patient goals."

Georgina’s family