Which triage category is typically evacuated within 24 hours?

• A. Immediate
• B. Priority
• C. Routine
• D. Minimal

Answer: (C)

In triage, how soon a patient needs evacuation is a key factor in categorizing them. Routine is the category for those whose injuries are non-urgent and stable enough that they can wait for transport without risking deterioration. They’re not in immediate danger and don’t require life-saving interventions right away, so they can be evacuated once higher-priority patients are addressed, typically within a 24-hour window. This helps ensure that those in urgent need receive care first, while those with stable conditions are moved out when transport capacity becomes available. The other categories describe patients who need faster action or have injuries that are more severe, while those with minor injuries can often stay longer or self-evacuate as resources allow.