"When critical hospital resources such as ventilators, vaccines, medical equipment, and staff time become scarce, medics must make difficult decisions about who to prioritize. Two common approaches to this decision-making are:
The 'benefit-maximizing' model: Resources are allocated to patients based on their likelihood of survival. For example, ventilators are given to patients who are deemed more likely to recover with ventilation.
The 'society-maximizing' model: Priority is given to patients whose survival is considered essential for societal functioning. For example, key workers such as health-care professionals, emergency responders, and other essential service providers may be prioritized for treatment."