How should personnel respond to a mass casualty incident with multiple victims?

In a mass casualty incident, the primary goal is to effectively manage a situation with multiple victims who may have varying degrees of injury. Adhering to triage protocols and managing resources is essential because it allows responders to prioritize care based on the severity of injuries. Triage helps identify those who require immediate attention and those who can wait for treatment, ensuring that limited medical resources are utilized effectively.

By following triage protocols, personnel can systematically evaluate patients, categorize them into different severity levels, and allocate treatment and transport based on urgency. This approach minimizes mortality and maximizes the chances of survival for as many individuals as possible. Resources, such as medical personnel, equipment, and transportation, must be managed wisely to accommodate the needs of all victims.

Other options fail to address the chaos often present in mass casualty situations. Treating the first victim encountered does not account for the overall situation and could overlook more critically injured individuals. Notifying a hospital directly may not be effective if responders are not aware of the number and severity of injuries that need to be managed. Transferring all patients to one facility promptly neglects the reality of overcrowding and resource limitations at hospitals, which could hinder medical care for incoming patients. Therefore, the structured approach of triage and