In the START system, what is the designation for patients that are left where they are found, not breathing or in vital signs absent?

In the START system, patients who are not breathing or have no vital signs upon assessment are designated with black tags. This designation indicates that these patients are classified as deceased or unsalvageable, meaning that they do not have a reasonable chance of survival despite medical intervention. The use of black tags helps responders prioritize care for patients who are alive and can still benefit from treatment, allowing for more efficient allocation of resources during mass casualty incidents.

The START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) system is a method used by first responders to quickly assess patients in emergency situations, categorizing them based on the severity of their conditions. Black tagging plays a crucial role in ensuring that limited medical resources are directed toward those who are most likely to survive with immediate care.