In place of an ePCR during an MCI alert, what is recommended to use?

In the context of an MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) alert, triage tags are essential because they are specifically designed for situations where multiple patients require attention, allowing responders to prioritize treatment based on the severity of their injuries. Triage tags provide a systematic method for tracking patients at the scene and through transport, ensuring that critical information such as patient status, treatment provided, and other vital details are communicated effectively among responders and healthcare facilities.

Using triage tags helps manage the chaos typically associated with MCIs by standardizing how patients are identified and prioritized. They can also facilitate information sharing as patients move between different levels of care, which is crucial during a mass casualty event where traditional electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) systems may be impractical or unavailable due to the high volume of patients and the urgency of the situation.

In comparison, while patient transfer forms, eHR documentation, and incident reports have their purposes in regular EMS operations, they are generally not equipped to handle the immediate, dynamic needs of an MCI, where rapid assessment, prioritization, and transport of patients are critical. Hence, triage tags emerge as the most effective method during such high-stakes scenarios.