In the standard triage order, which category comes first?

• A. Delayed
• B. Minimal
• C. Expectant
• D. Immediate

Answer: (D)

In standard triage, the first priority is those who need life-saving intervention right now. They are placed in the Immediate category because delaying care for them could result in rapid deterioration or death, so clinicians act on them first to maximize lives saved with limited resources. Once the immediate patients are addressed, responders move on to the others: those whose injuries are serious but not immediately life-threatening (they can wait a short while under supervision), those with minor injuries who require little resource or time, and those who are unlikely to survive given the current situation and resources (the latter are deprioritized for now). This ordering keeps the focus on the most time-sensitive needs, ensuring that the people most at risk receive attention promptly.