Category I Services required daily; e.g.: insulin dependent, diabetic unable to self inject insulin, IV medications, sterile wound care to a wound with moderate to large amounts of drainage, immobile patient with elderly caregiver, daily catherization but unable to perform, oxygen dependent, ventilator, no telephone, lives alone, in high risk environment area without a caregiver, critical medications requiring daily or QOD lab monitoring. |
Red Patient requires more care than can be provided by skilled nursing unit. Needs order from MD for transportation site; e.g.: dialysis, ventilator, terminal, etc., on admission. Needs admit order. |
Serious Help Requires hospital admission. Patients with electrical equipment, ventilator dependent, terminal patients, dialysis patients. |
Category II Services could be postponed 24-48 hours without adverse effect on patient; e.g.: new insulin dependent diabetic able to self-inject, cardiovascular and/or respiratory assessments asymptomatic at previous assessment, sterile wound care to a wound with minimal to no drainage, caregiver available to assist with communications and needs. |
Yellow Patient requires transportation. Needs to go to Type A special needs shelter. Green Patient has transportation and a reliable caregiver. Will evacuate to Type A shelter. |
Limited Help Type A shelter. Skilled nursing, power for machines, sanitary facilities. No Help Needed Type B or lower shelter. |
Category III Services can be postponed 72-96 hours without effect on the patient; e.g.: postoperative with no open wound, routine catheter changes, discharge soon. |
Blue Patient has transportation and a reliable caregiver. Patient to notify agency if evacuating, giving destination and contact phone number. |
No Help Needed Patient and/or caregiver can make all evacuation and shelter arrangements on own. |
