What does the red status indicate in the ED Receiving Status?

The red status in the Emergency Department (ED) Receiving Status signifies that the facility is diverting all 911 system ambulance patients, except in cases that are critically life-threatening (in-extremis). This status is utilized during times when the ED is overwhelmed and cannot safely accommodate more patients, typically due to high volumes of incoming patients or limited resources. In this situation, ambulances are instructed to reroute to other facilities unless they have a patient who is in need of immediate life-saving interventions.

It serves as a critical communication tool to inform emergency medical services and other hospitals about the ED's capacity to manage new cases. The need for such a protocol is essential for ensuring patient safety, as it allows the department to focus on those who are in the most critical conditions while managing the overall flow of emergency care effectively.

This clear designation helps streamline the decision-making process for emergency responders and ensures that the emergency care system can respond adequately during peak times or crises.