Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

Which triage category represents minor injuries that require delayed care?

1. 1st priority

2. 2nd priority

3. 3rd priority

4. 4th priority

The correct answer is: 3rd priority

The triage category that represents minor injuries requiring delayed care is indeed the third priority. In the triage system, patients are categorized based on the severity of their injuries and the urgency of medical treatment required. The third priority typically includes injuries that are not life-threatening and can wait for medical attention without significantly worsening the patient's condition. These patients have minor injuries such as abrasions or sprains, which are important to treat but do not require immediate intervention. By designating these individuals as third priority, medical responders ensure that resources are allocated first to those whose lives are at immediate risk, such as critically injured patients, who fall into the first priority category. In contrast, the first priority is reserved for life-threatening conditions requiring immediate action, the second priority encompasses severe but not immediately life-threatening cases, and the fourth priority would often refer to those who are unlikely to survive given their injuries. This structured approach helps in managing resources effectively during emergencies, ensuring that the most critical cases are attended to first.