Table 1 Explanation of initial dispatch Code (IDCs)
From: Patient triage system for supporting the operation of dispatch centres and rescue teams
| Colour | Triage criteria | Essential response |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Critical emergency patients | The Basic Life Support Unit (BLS) responds to the patient within 4 min of the accident and the Advanced Life Support unit (ALS) responds within 8 min of the accident |
| Yellow | Urgent emergency patients | The BLS responds to the patient within 8 min of the accident and the First Response Unit (FR) responds within 15 min of the accident |
| Green | Non-urgent emergency patients | The BLS responds to the patient within 8 min of the accident |
| White | General patients | Response to patient is via telephone referral programme and consideration of BLS |
| Black | Not patients | No response needed |