MANGEMENT OF MASS CASUALTY

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to prepare policy planners to respond to terrorist bombings and mass casualty events. The majority of the information focuses on first responders, hospital administrators, and hospital staff, as they are most likely to be affected. The document discusses the concept of who work in various settings and use their skills to help direct both their own organizations responses and the inter organizational responses that will be critical to a successful response. This document offers these leaders interim guidance for developing plans to meet the needs of specific facilities and locations. Effective preparation will help maintain critical systems and can improve both the clinical and psychological outcomes of the people affected by terrorist bombings and mass casualty events. Managing mass casualty events is different from managing normal activities on a larger scale It is not just about the enormity of the event, with an increase in patient numbers, but also about the different types of patients and a system under extreme stress. In addition, there are variances in the types of problems that must be handled, the tasks that must be carried out and the help that may be available. It requires a different approach which can only occur with appropriate training and preparation. Responding to a mass casualty event involves more than just mobilizing additional numbers of emergency personnel or greater quantities of supplies as disasters often pose unique problems seldom faced in daily