CTAS LEVELS
Level 1- Resuscitation
This type of emergency patient is someone who is suffering from either severe respiratory
distress and or unconsciousness resulting from a major trauma. Typically the patient is
unresponsive with either unstable or absent vital signs. The patient is deemed to be
suffering from conditions that are a threat to life and/or limb requiring immediate
aggressive intervention.
Level 2 – Emergent
Conditions that fall into this category pose a potential threat to life and/or limb and require
rapid medical intervention. This emergency patient type could be suffering from such
symptoms such as but not limited to an agitated mental state, chest pain, abdominal pain,
symptoms associated with diabetes, some head pain or trauma or high fever (especially in
children) marked with other ailments such as vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Level 3 – Urgent
Conditions could progress to a serious problem requiring emergency intervention. These
patients may be suffering from serious discomfort and/or an interruption in their daily living
routine. Examples of symptoms may include but are not limited to head pain, chest pain,
mild to moderate asthma, mild to moderate bleeding and any symptoms associated with
dialysis.
Level 4 – Less Urgent
Conditions that are related to patient, age, distress or potential for deterioration. Symptoms
could involve, but are not limited to, chest pain, head pain, back pain, abdominal pain, and
depression.
Level 5 – Non Urgent
Conditions that may be acute but non-urgent as well as conditions that are part of a
chronic problem with or without evidence of deterioration. Intervention can be delayed
and/or referred to other areas of the health care system. Symptoms can be but are not
limited to minor trauma, emotional distress, sore throat, and abdominal pain
