Emergency Severity Index (ESI)

The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) is a system used in hospitals to prioritize patients based on the seriousness of their conditions when they arrive in the emergency department. It sorts patients into five levels, from ESI 1 (most urgent, needing immediate care) to ESI 5 (less urgent, can wait longer for treatment). This helps medical staff allocate resources efficiently and ensures that those in critical need receive care as quickly as possible, improving overall patient outcomes in emergency situations.