Can a status 3 or 4 patient be diverted?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only status 3
• D. Only status 4

Answer: (B)

Diverting destinations is used when a hospital can’t meet a patient’s urgent needs or is at capacity. A status 3 or 4 patient is considered stable and non-urgent, meaning they don’t require immediate, high-acuity care that would justify diverting them to a different facility. The safest and most appropriate approach is to transport to the nearest suitable facility so they can be evaluated and treated promptly. Diverting non-urgent patients risks delaying care and can conflict with standard EMS destination policies. Diversion is generally reserved for unstable or higher-acuity cases or when directed by medical oversight for specific situations, not for status 3 or 4 patients.