Triage is the first point of public contact with the ED. The triage assessment generally should take no more than two to five minutes with a balanced aim of speed and thoroughness being the essence. The triage assessment involves a combination of the presenting problem and general appearance of the patient, and may be combined with pertinent physiological observations. Vital signs should only be measured at triage if required to estimate urgency, or if time permits. Any patient identified as ATS Category 1 or 2 should be taken immediately into an appropriate assessment and treatment area. A more complete nursing assessment should be done by the treatment nurse receiving the patient. The triage assessment is not intended to make a diagnosis. The initiation of investigations or referrals from triage is not precluded if time permits.