What does the 'red' category in METTAG triage notation signify?

The 'red' category in the METTAG (Mass Casualty Incident Triage) triage notation signifies that a patient is critical and requires immediate transport for medical intervention. This classification is crucial in emergency response situations where resources and time are limited. Patients in the red category are identified as having life-threatening conditions, such as severe airway obstruction, uncontrolled bleeding, or altered mental status, which necessitates urgent treatment to improve their chances of survival. The prioritization of these patients allows emergency responders to allocate their resources effectively and ensure that those who are most in need receive care first.