What is the primary goal of a multi-casualty incident plan?

The primary goal of a multi-casualty incident plan is to coordinate effective emergency response. Such incidents typically involve a significant number of casualties that can overwhelm local medical resources and response capabilities. Therefore, a well-structured plan is essential to ensure that all agencies and responders can work together efficiently to provide care, triage patients, and transport them to hospitals as needed.

Effective coordination during a multi-casualty incident enables timely communication and resource allocation, which is crucial for minimizing fatalities and optimizing patient outcomes. This includes the establishment of command structures, the assignment of roles and responsibilities, and the implementation of protocols that outline how to manage the surge of patients efficiently.

While thorough reporting, financial management, and tracking logistics are important aspects of emergency management, they serve secondary roles in the context of a multi-casualty incident. The immediate focus must always be on coordinating the response to ensure medical care is provided effectively and efficiently in the midst of chaos.