CHICAGO — Emergency responders rushed two individuals to the University of Chicago Medical Center Thursday after both were tagged in “Red” condition, indicating critical, life-threatening injuries that required immediate advanced life support.
According to Chicago scanner traffic:
-
Ambulance 58 transported a patient following a traumatic arrest — categorized as “Red.”
-
Ambulance 68 also transported a separate “Red” condition patient to UofC Level I Trauma Center.
The nature of the incidents prompting these transports has not yet been publicly confirmed.
What Does A Red Tag Mean?
The EMS triage system uses color-coded tags during mass casualty or high-priority medical emergencies to quickly identify the severity of injuries and urgency of care:
RED TAGS
-
Definition: Immediate advanced life support required
-
Used for: Patients who cannot survive without prompt treatment but still have a chance of survival
-
Synonymous with: Critical condition or life-threatening trauma
-
These patients are prioritized for Level I Trauma Center transport
YELLOW TAGS
-
Indicates serious but stable injuries
-
Patients require observation and treatment, though not in immediate danger
GREEN TAGS
-
Considered “walking wounded”
-
Minor injuries, may delay treatment without immediate risk
Source: National Mass Casualty Triage System Overview
Why This Matters In Chicago
The use of “Red” condition triage during Thursday’s incident emphasizes the intensity of trauma these patients experienced. The University of Chicago Medical Center is a top-tier trauma facility equipped to handle the most severe emergencies — from shootings and violent assaults to multi-vehicle collisions and critical medical arrests.
In 2024 alone, Chicago paramedics tagged over 1,200 individuals in Red condition, reflecting the city’s ongoing need for high-capacity trauma response systems.
Do you live near the area where this trauma occurred?
Have you or your loved ones ever experienced emergency triage care?
Share your stories or reactions at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
