If a patient remains apneic, how should they be triaged?

When a patient remains apneic, meaning they are not breathing, they are typically categorized as deceased in the context of triage. This determination is based on the understanding that effective respiration is essential for life. In pre-hospital settings, if a patient is not breathing and there are no signs of life, such as a pulse or spontaneous movement, they would not be able to benefit from immediate medical interventions in most cases.

The classification as "deceased" indicates that there is no longer a chance for successful resuscitation under the current circumstances. It is important for emergency medical responders to rapidly assess patients in critical situations, and a lack of respiration would lead to this classification to prioritize resources for patients who are still salvageable. This helps in managing the limited resources and time available in a mass casualty or emergency setting, ensuring that attention is directed towards individuals who might have a chance of survival.