ESI Triage System
Emergency Severity Index - 5 Level Triage
Patient Assessment
Vital Signs (Optional)
Predicted Resources Needed
Resources: Labs, ECG, X-ray, CT, IV fluids, IV/IM meds, specialty consultation
ESI Levels
Level 1
Immediate
Requires immediate life-saving intervention
Level 2
Emergent
High risk situation, confused/lethargic/disoriented, severe pain/distress
Level 3
Urgent
Stable vital signs, needs 2+ resources
Level 4
Less Urgent
Stable vital signs, needs 1 resource
Level 5
Non-Urgent
Stable vital signs, no resources needed
ESI Triage Algorithm
- Level 1: Does patient require immediate life-saving intervention?
- Level 2: High risk? Confused/lethargic? Severe pain/distress?
- Vital Signs: Consider vital signs for levels 3-5
- Resources: How many resources will the patient need?
- 2+ resources → Level 3
- 1 resource → Level 4
- 0 resources → Level 5