What ESI level is assigned to a patient requiring immediate lifesaving intervention?

In the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), a patient requiring immediate lifesaving intervention is classified as ESI level 1. This level indicates that the patient is in a critical condition and requires immediate attention and intervention to prevent death or serious harm.

ESI level 1 is reserved for situations where resuscitation is necessary, including cases where a patient is unresponsive, in cardiac arrest, or experiencing severe respiratory distress. The focus at this level is on stabilization and urgent medical treatment.

Other levels in the ESI system categorize patients based on the urgency of their condition, with level 2 representing a high-risk situation that demands prompt evaluation but does not require immediate lifesaving measures. Levels 3 and 4 denote less urgent cases, with level 3 typically requiring urgent care attention and level 4 involving non-urgent issues. Therefore, ESI level 1 is specifically designated for instances where immediate intervention is critical for survival.