Emergency Severity Index (ESI) Triage
Practice
Emergency Severity Index level that requires immediate life-saving intervention... - ANS Level 1
Emergency Severity Index level that is high risk situation, confused/disoriented, severe pain or
distress - ANS Level 2
Emergency Severity Index level in which many resources are needed... - ANS Level 3
Emergency Severity Index level in which one or more resources are needed - ANS Level 4
Emergency Severity Index level in which no resources are needed - ANS Level 5
A 40-year old male presents to triage with vague, midsternal chest discomfort, occurring
intermittently for one month. This morning he reports a similar episode, which has now resolved.
Currently complains of mild nausea, but feels pretty good. Medical History: Smoker. He is alert,
with skin warm and dry and does not appear in any distress. - ANS Level 2
A 22 year old female on college break presents to the triage desk complaining of sudden onset
of feeling very sick, severe sore throat, and feeling "feverish". She is dyspneic and drooling at
triage, and her skin is hot to touch. - ANS Level 2
A 68 year old male brought in by his wife for sudden onset of left arm weakness, slurred
speech, and difficulty walking. Symptoms began 2 hours prior to arrival. Past medical history:
Atrial fibrillation. Meds: Lanoxin. The patient is awake, oriented, mildly short of breath. Speech is
slurred, right-sided facial droop is present. Left upper-extremity weakness noted with 2/5 muscle
strength. - ANS Level 2
A 60 year old male complains of sudden loss of vision in the left eye that morning. Patient
denies pain or discomfort. Past medical history: CAD, HTN . The patient is slightly anxious but
no distress. - ANS Level 2
A 22 year old female with 10/10 abdominal pain for two days. Denies nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, or urinary frequency. Her heart rate is 84 and she is eating ice cream. - ANS Level 3
A 70 year old female with her right arm in a cast is brought to triage by her daughter. The
daughter states that her mother fell yesterday and fractured her arm. The patient is complaining
of pain. Daughter states "they put this cast on yesterday, but I think it's too tight." Daughter
reports her mother has been very restless at home and thinks her mother is in pain. Patient has
a history of Alzheimer's disease. The patient is confused and mumbling (at baseline per her
Practice
Emergency Severity Index level that requires immediate life-saving intervention... - ANS Level 1
Emergency Severity Index level that is high risk situation, confused/disoriented, severe pain or
distress - ANS Level 2
Emergency Severity Index level in which many resources are needed... - ANS Level 3
Emergency Severity Index level in which one or more resources are needed - ANS Level 4
Emergency Severity Index level in which no resources are needed - ANS Level 5
A 40-year old male presents to triage with vague, midsternal chest discomfort, occurring
intermittently for one month. This morning he reports a similar episode, which has now resolved.
Currently complains of mild nausea, but feels pretty good. Medical History: Smoker. He is alert,
with skin warm and dry and does not appear in any distress. - ANS Level 2
A 22 year old female on college break presents to the triage desk complaining of sudden onset
of feeling very sick, severe sore throat, and feeling "feverish". She is dyspneic and drooling at
triage, and her skin is hot to touch. - ANS Level 2
A 68 year old male brought in by his wife for sudden onset of left arm weakness, slurred
speech, and difficulty walking. Symptoms began 2 hours prior to arrival. Past medical history:
Atrial fibrillation. Meds: Lanoxin. The patient is awake, oriented, mildly short of breath. Speech is
slurred, right-sided facial droop is present. Left upper-extremity weakness noted with 2/5 muscle
strength. - ANS Level 2
A 60 year old male complains of sudden loss of vision in the left eye that morning. Patient
denies pain or discomfort. Past medical history: CAD, HTN . The patient is slightly anxious but
no distress. - ANS Level 2
A 22 year old female with 10/10 abdominal pain for two days. Denies nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, or urinary frequency. Her heart rate is 84 and she is eating ice cream. - ANS Level 3
A 70 year old female with her right arm in a cast is brought to triage by her daughter. The
daughter states that her mother fell yesterday and fractured her arm. The patient is complaining
of pain. Daughter states "they put this cast on yesterday, but I think it's too tight." Daughter
reports her mother has been very restless at home and thinks her mother is in pain. Patient has
a history of Alzheimer's disease. The patient is confused and mumbling (at baseline per her
