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

Table 6-7. Examples of Pediatric Psychiatric Patients and ESI Levels

Patient Presentation Resources ESI Rationale
17-year-old male, history of suicidality, found unresponsive by parents. There are several bottles of liquor, and unidentified empty pill bottles next to bed. Life saving intervention. No need to assess for number of resources. ESI level 1 Life threatening situation—unresponsive.
16-year-old male brought in by parents who report patient was out of control, screaming obscenities, and threatening to kill the family. He is cooperative in triage and answers your questions calmly. High-risk situation. No need to assess for number of resources. ESI level 2 High risk situation—danger to self and others.
15-year-old female presents to ED with her boyfriend claiming, "I think I'm pregnant. When I told my mom she threw me out of the house and told me never to come back. I have no place to live, and now I might have a baby." VS: BP 126/85, HR 100, RR 16, T 98.7°F. More than one resource. ESI level 3 Will require labs, and possibly more than one specialty consult.
10-year-old female presents to the ED with mother who states that she received a call from her teacher because the child has been disrupting the class with sudden outbursts. Mom has never witnessed this behavior, but she does state that she becomes very defiant when she doesn't get her own way. Currently, the child is laughing and playing with her little sister. VS: 98/72, HR 82, RR 22, T 98.2°F. One resource. ESI level 4 Will require a specialty consult.
13-year-old male walks into the ED with his mother on a Friday night. Mom states, "I didn't realize he was out of his medications for his ADHD, and I don't want him to miss a day." The patient is cooperative and pleasant. VS: BP 108/72, HR 78, RR 14, T 98.6°F. No resources. ESI level 5 Will require a prescription filled.

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Page last reviewed October 2014
Page originally created September 2012

Internet Citation: Table 6-7. Examples of Pediatric Psychiatric Patients and ESI Levels. Content last reviewed October 2014. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.
https://archive.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/hospital/esi/esitab6-7.html

The information on this page is archived and provided for reference purposes only.

 
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