What system determines the order in which multiple patients require care?

The triage system allocates a category based on the time in which a patient needs treatment. When you arrive in an ED a triage nurse will assess your condition and allocate the priority of your care into one of five triage categories: resuscitation, emergency, urgent, semi-urgent, or non-urgent. Emergency Departments are there for people who are in urgent need of lifesaving care. If you have a non-life threatening illness or injury (triage category 4 or 5) such as a cough, nausea, sprain, or minor cut there are healthcare alternatives available for you to consider.

Source: NSW Government