Which disaster triage color tag corresponds to the deceased or those whose injuries are so extensive that nothing can be done to save them?

• A. Black tag
• B. Green tag
• C. Yellow tag
• D. Red tag

Answer: (A)

In disaster triage, color tags rapidly communicate a patient’s priority for care when resources are limited. The color assigned to the deceased or to those whose injuries are so extensive that nothing can be done to save them is black. This designation helps responders quickly set aside individuals who are not salvageable so that life-saving efforts can focus on those with a chance of recovery.

Other colors indicate different priorities: red for immediate, life-threatening injuries that can be stabilized with prompt care; yellow for serious but not immediately life-threatening injuries; and green for minor injuries that can wait. So black is the tag used for the deceased or unsalvageable cases.