Table 2 CTS priority colour codes and discriminator list5
RedOrangeYellowGreen
TEWS8 or more6–73–52 or less
Mechanism of injuryEntrapmentImpact—highImpact—low
PainSevereModerateMild
RespiratoryAsthma—statusAsthma
CardiacChest Pain
VascularHaemorrhage—arterial
NeurologicalSeizure—currentSeizure—postictal
UnresponsiveResponds to painResponds to voiceAlert
PsychiatricPsychosis/aggression
OrthopaedicLimb—threatened
Dislocation—major jointDislocation—minor joint
Fracture—openFracture—closed
BurnBurn face/inhalationBurn >20%Burn—minor
MetabolicHypoglycaemia <2.2Overdose/poisoning
IntestinalHaematemesisAbdominal pain
ObstetricPregnancy—traumaPregnancy—PV bleed
AnatomyTrauma—airwayTrauma—head/neck/torso /eviscerationTrauma—limb
  • CTS, Cape triage score; PV, per vagina; TEWS, triage early warning score. Senior healthcare professional’s discretion.

  • CTS, Cape triage score; PV, per vagina; TEWS, triage early warning score. Senior healthcare professional’s discretion.