Table 1 Reference standard definitions

Immediate:

Abnormal age adjusted vital parameters according to PRISM III^a

Very urgent:

Presence of a possible life threatening condition: Meningitis, severe sepsis, high-energy trauma, substantial external blood loss or trauma (sharp/blunt) leading to substantial blood loss, aorta dissection, .10% dehydration, (near) drowning, electric trauma, apparently life-threatening event (ALTE), possible dangerous intoxication, .10% burns, facial burns or possible inhalation trauma.

Urgent:

Specific combinations of diagnostic work-up, therapy and follow-up.

Standard:

Other combinations of diagnostic work-up, therapy and follow-up

Non-urgent:

No diagnostic work-up or follow-up. Therapy restricted to simple advice and/or medicine on prescription, or none at all.