Which patient would be classified as "immediate" during a mass casualty incident?

The classification of patients in a mass casualty incident is guided by the principles of the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) system, which categorizes victims based on their respiratory status, circulation, and mental status in order to prioritize treatment.

In this case, the patient described as having no respirations after five positive pressure ventilations would be categorized as "immediate" or Priority 1. This classification is based on the critical condition of the patient, who is unable to breathe independently despite attempts to assist their ventilation. In the triage process, victims who require immediate medical attention to survive are prioritized, and a patient with respiratory failure is a clear example of someone who needs urgent intervention.

On the other hand, the other options describe patients who either do not exhibit signs that necessitate immediate care (like clear breathing sounds and normal oxygen saturation) or have minor injuries, thus falling into less urgent categories such as "delayed" or "minimal" in the triage system. This prioritization ensures that those in most critical need receive care first, which is vital during mass casualty incidents where resources are limited and time is a critical factor.