In the RPM triage method, after attempting to open the airway, if spontaneous respiration resumes, what tag should be assigned?

In the RPM triage method, after attempting to open the airway, if spontaneous respiration resumes, what tag should be assigned?

• A. Tag red
• B. Tag black
• C. Tag yellow
• D. Move on

Answer: (A)

In RPM triage, the first check is respiration to rapidly gauge life risk. If you open the airway and spontaneous breathing resumes, the person is alive and breathing but still at high risk of deterioration, so they require immediate attention and rapid transport. That’s why the appropriate tag is red—immediate care is needed. A black tag would be for no breathing after airway management (deceased), a yellow tag for delayed care, and “move on” isn’t used for someone who is alive and has resumed breathing.

In RPM triage, the first check is respiration to rapidly gauge life risk. If you open the airway and spontaneous breathing resumes, the person is alive and breathing but still at high risk of deterioration, so they require immediate attention and rapid transport. That’s why the appropriate tag is red—immediate care is needed. A black tag would be for no breathing after airway management (deceased), a yellow tag for delayed care, and “move on” isn’t used for someone who is alive and has resumed breathing.