In a mass casualty incident, what classification is given to individuals who are unlikely to survive given the severity of their injuries?

In a mass casualty incident, individuals who are classified as "expectant" are those who have severe injuries and are unlikely to survive, despite receiving appropriate medical care. This classification is used in triage systems to prioritize resources and medical treatment in high-stress situations where the number of casualties exceeds the available medical resources.

The expectant category helps responders make difficult decisions regarding care; it indicates that while the person requires medical attention, their injuries are such that they are not likely to benefit from immediate life-saving interventions. This classification allows first responders to direct their efforts toward individuals who have a higher chance of survival, thereby maximizing the overall effectiveness of medical response efforts in a catastrophic scenario.

Other classifications, such as "red" typically signify those with life-threatening injuries who need immediate medical attention, while "green" represents those with minor injuries who can wait for care. "Blue" is not a standard classification used in triage. Understanding this system is crucial for medical personnel and first responders to efficiently manage casualties and allocate limited resources effectively in emergencies.