Triage Assistant

When did the cough begin?

Triage Assistant

How bad is the cough today on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very mild and 10 being the worst cough you can imagine?

Triage Assistant

Are you coughing up any blood? If so, how much? (such as flecks, streaks, tablespoons)

Triage Assistant

Are you having difficulty breathing? If yes, how bad is it? Describe it as mild, moderate, or severe. - Mild: No shortness of breath at rest, mild shortness of breath with walking, speaks normally in sentences, can lie down, no retractions, pulse < 100. - Moderate: Shortness of breath at rest, shortness of breath with minimal exertion and prefers to sit, cannot lie down flat, speaks in phrases, mild retractions, audible wheezing, pulse 100-120. - Severe: Very short of breath at rest, speaks in single words, struggling to breathe, sitting hunched forward, retractions, pulse > 120.

Triage Assistant

You need to call 911 now for immediate medical assistance due to severe difficulty breathing. Thank you for calling, goodbye.