Mass-casualty incident

Mass-casualty incident (MCI), also known as a multiple-casualty incident or multiple-casualty situation, is a term used to describe an event in which the medical resources available are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties. This can occur in situations such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, or large-scale transportation accidents. The primary goal during an MCI is to provide the best possible care to casualties while preserving the integrity of the local healthcare system.

Definition

An MCI is defined not just by the absolute number of casualties, but by the relationship between the number of casualties and the capability of the responding healthcare system to provide care. This means that what constitutes an MCI can vary significantly from one location to another, depending on local medical capabilities and resources.

Management

The management of an MCI requires a coordinated effort that often involves multiple agencies and services, including emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, law enforcement, and public health departments. Key components of MCI management include:

• Incident Command System (ICS): An organizational structure used to coordinate response efforts among various agencies and ensure effective communication and resource allocation.
• Triage: The process of sorting casualties based on the severity of their injuries to prioritize treatment and transportation. Triage systems such as START Triage and JumpSTART Triage are commonly used.
• Medical Surge Capacity: The ability to expand care capabilities in response to an influx of patients. This may involve setting up temporary treatment centers or field hospitals.

Challenges

MCIs pose numerous challenges, including logistical difficulties, communication barriers, and the potential for secondary incidents. Ensuring the safety of responders, managing public information, and providing psychological support to victims and responders are also critical aspects of MCI response.

Preparedness

Preparedness for MCIs involves planning, training, and exercises that simulate real-world incidents. Key elements include developing mutual aid agreements, establishing communication protocols, and ensuring that hospitals and other healthcare facilities have surge capacity plans in place.

See also

• Emergency management
• Disaster medicine
• Triage
• Incident Command System