What does an Expectant triage classification imply for a casualty?

The Expectant triage classification indicates that a casualty has extensive and life-threatening injuries that are unlikely to be survivable even with immediate and intensive medical intervention. In the triage process, this classification is used to prioritize resources effectively, especially in mass casualty situations where medical assistance may be limited.

Casualties classified as Expectant are typically not likely to benefit from further treatment; therefore, they may be placed in a category where resources are redirected towards patients who have a higher likelihood of survival with immediate care. This decision is not taken lightly and reflects a difficult but necessary judgment call in the field of emergency medicine and tactical combat scenarios, where quick assessments must be made to save the maximum number of lives.