PACS Classification

Description

PAC Scale 1

These are patients who are either already in a state of cardiovascular collapse or in imminent danger of collapse and would therefore be required to be attended to without a moment's delay. They would likely require the maximum allocation of staff and equipment resources for initial management.
e.g. Acute Myocardial Infarction, Cardiac Arrest, Major Trauma.

PAC Scale 2

These patients are ill and non-ambulant and in various forms of severe distress. They would appear to be in a stable state on initial cardiovascular examination and are not in danger of imminent collapse. The severity of their symptoms requires very early attention, failing which early deterioration of their medical status is likely.
e.g. Stroke, Long Bone Fractures, Asthma.

PAC Scale 3

These patients have acute symptoms, but are ambulant, have mild to moderate symptoms and require acute treatment which will result in resolution of symptoms over time.
e.g. Cuts with bleeding, Mild to moderate injury, High Fever.

PAC Scale 4

These are non-emergency patients. They should not be presenting to Acute & Emergency Care in the first place and should more appropriately be managed in a primary health care setting such as in family practice or public polyclinics. They may have an old injury or condition that has been present for a long time. They do not require immediate treatment. There is no immediate threat to their life or limb.
e.g. Chronic Low Back Pain, High Cholesterol, Acne.