North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam 2025 - Free EMT Practice Questions and Study Guide

A patient is classified as Priority 1 (Red Tag) in a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) when there are immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent medical intervention. The correct choice identifies several critical indicators: a respiratory rate over 30, prolonged capillary refill greater than 2 seconds, and an inability to follow commands.

Having a respiratory rate over 30 suggests that the patient is in respiratory distress or failure, which is a priority concern in an emergency setting. A capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds indicates poor peripheral circulation and can be a sign of shock or hypoperfusion, which are also critical conditions. The inability to follow commands signifies altered mental status, which may suggest inadequate oxygenation to the brain or other severe neurological deficits. Together, these signs clearly indicate that the patient is unstable and requires immediate attention to prevent deterioration and potential death.

In summary, this classification is vital for triaging patients effectively in an MCI, ensuring that those who are most at risk and in need of urgent care receive it as quickly as possible.