Table 1 Triage system in Hong Kong

1. Critical

∙Suffers from a life-threatening condition(s) caused by a major event

∙ Immediate for all cases

∙With unstable vital signs requiring immediate resuscitation

∙ Direct patient to resuscitation room

∙ Attend patient immediately by a team comprising medical and nursing staff

2. Emergency

∙ Suffers from a potentially life-threatening condition

∙ <15 min for 95% of cases

∙ Borderline vital signs but with potential risk of rapid deterioration

∙ Direct patient to resuscitation room / treatment cubicle

∙ Requires emergency treatment and immediate continuous close monitoring

∙ Require medical attention and immediate continuous close monitoring within 15 min

3. Urgent

∙ Suffers from a major condition with potential risk of deterioration

∙ <30 min for 90% of cases

∙ Stable vital signs

∙ Direct patient to cubicle

4. Semi-urgent

∙ Suffers from acute but stable condition(s)

∙ Direct patient to cubicle/walk-in clinic

∙ Stable vital signs

∙ Can afford to wait some time without serious complications

5. Non-urgent

∙ Suffers from minor and stable condition(s) (including acute and non-acute conditions)

∙ Direct patient to walk-in clinic

∙ Can afford to wait without deterioration

∙ Remarks

∙ Stable vital signs

∙ Conditions can be treated in primary health-care facilities

∙ Should be based on clinical judgement only. Economic, social factors and availability of facilities should not be taken into consideration