Emergency Severity Index (ESI): A Triage Tool for Emergency Departments

Table 6-6. Examples of Pediatric Trauma and ESI Levels

Patient Presentation	Resources	ESI	Rationale
EMS arrives with a 7-year-old male who was hit by a car. Child is somnolent, appears pale, non-labored respirations.	Life-saving intervention, no need to assess for number of resources	ESI level 1	Life threatening injury
14-year-old female is brought in by EMS after diving into the pool and hitting her head. She is awake, alert, and moving all extremities. She is currently immobilized on a back board with c-collar in place. VS: BP 118/72, HR 76, RR 14.	High risk injury, no need to assess for number of resources	ESI level 2	High risk injury due to the mechanism.
14-year-old male brought in by EMS who was tackled while playing football. He has an obvious deformity to his right lower leg. He has +2 pedal pulses and his toes are warm and dry. He is able to wiggle his toes. No head/neck injuries reported. VS: 118/78, HR 88, RR 18, T 98.2°F, Pain 6/10.	More than one resource.	ESI level 3	Fracture will need reduction. He will need x rays, labs, IV antibiotics and pain medication
12-year-old female brought into the ED by mother. Claims she cut her thumb while washing dishes. She has a 2 cm superficial laceration to her right thumb. VS: BP 110/70, HR 72, RR 14, T 98.0°F.	One resource.	ESI level 4	Will require suturing