The Emergency Severity Index 5-Level Triage System

The Emergency Severity Index triage system is a relatively new 5-level mode of operations created in the late 1990s. This system provides an operational model to meet the needs of all patients. This triage process segregates patients into 5 different treatment levels based on a variety of characteristics. This article discusses the Emergency Severity Index, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, and implications for emergency department nurses.