How triage works

A specialized nurse greets each patient, assesses their condition and determines the priority level for their care.

Each case is categorized according to a five-level national triage and acuity scale, from non-urgent to resuscitation.

This categorization ensures that the most urgent cases, i.e. the most vulnerable patients, are treated first.

Level 1 - Resuscitation: Conditions that are considered threats to life or limb requiring immediate aggressive intervention.
Level 2 - Emergent: Conditions that are considered threats to life or limb, or its function, requiring immediate intervention.
Level 3 - Urgent: Conditions that could potentioally progress to a serious problem, requiring emergency intervention.
Level 4 - Less urgent: Conditions related to patient age, distress or potential for deterioration or complications.
Level 5 - Non urgent: Conditions that can be acute, but non urgent, or part of a chronic problem.

Patients who do not require urgent care may have to wait longer if an urgent case arrives that takes priority. Therefore, patients who arrive after you may be seen before you because their condition is more serious.

If your condition worsens after your assessment, it is essential that you request a reassessment.

When to go to the Emergency Department

If you (or someone in your care) have an urgent medical condition or are experiencing a crisis, go to the Emergency Department at the nearest hospital or call 9-1-1.

Do not drive if your condition makes you unfit to so do (for example, if you suspect you have a heart problem, severe pain, difficulty breathing or altered consciousness).

If you have any questions or doubts about your state of health, contact Tele-Care at any time by dialing 8-1-1. Tele-Care staff will be able to advise you on the need for urgent care and guide you through the next steps.