Which category is most appropriate for a casualty needing only observation and minor care?

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

Answer: (C)

In field triage, the category that fits someone needing only observation and minor care is the Minimal group. This category is for casualties with minor injuries who don’t require life-saving interventions right now and can be managed with simple care on the spot or with brief treatment before evacuation. They may need basic wound care, splinting, or reassurance, but they are not jeopardized by delaying care and can often move under their own power or with minimal support.

Think of it as the “walking wounded” or those who will recover with minimal intervention, allowing medics to focus more urgent resources on those in Immediate need. The other categories cover situations with increasing urgency: Immediate requires rapid, life-saving actions; Delayed involves injuries that are serious but not yet critical and can wait briefly; Expectant includes injuries unlikely to survive given the current conditions and resources.