In terms of casualty management, what does "expectant" typically signify?

In casualty management, the term "expectant" refers to a situation where a casualty is assessed to be unlikely to survive even with treatment. This classification is used in triage, especially during mass casualty incidents, where medical resources may be limited, and priorities need to be set based on the likelihood of survival.

The rationale behind designating a person as "expectant" is to ensure that resources—such as medical personnel, equipment, and medications—are allocated to those individuals who are more likely to benefit from immediate intervention. This assessment is critical for effective management in emergency scenarios, as it helps streamline care based on urgency and survivability prospects.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios where responses and outcomes are more optimistic, such as those who are responsive to treatment or stable and awaiting assistance. These individuals fall into categories that typically warrant receiving immediate care rather than being labeled as "expectant."