If a client has an airway obstruction, what triage tag color should be assigned?

In triage situations, particularly in emergency or disaster scenarios, the color of a triage tag indicates the severity of a patient's condition and the urgency of the required treatment. A red tag is assigned to patients who need immediate medical attention to survive, typically those with life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction.

When a client has an airway obstruction, it is critical that they receive immediate intervention, as they are unable to breathe effectively. This condition can lead to rapid deterioration and potentially death if not treated promptly. Thus, designating a red tag for patients with airway obstructions ensures that they are prioritized for treatment over those with less severe conditions who may be assigned yellow or green tags, indicating that they may wait for care or are non-urgent.

Overall, the use of a red tag communicates the requirement for immediate medical action, facilitating an effective response in emergency situations.