What characterizes mass casualty incidents (MCIs)?

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) are defined by the need for a significant response due to the overwhelming number of victims that require immediate attention. This is characterized by the requirement to rescue, triage, stabilize, and transport large numbers of injured individuals. The situation often exceeds the normal operational capacity of local emergency medical services and necessitates a coordinated response involving multiple agencies and resources.

In an MCI, the volume of casualties demands that responders work quickly to prioritize care based on the severity of injuries, ensuring that those who are most critical receive the necessary medical attention in a timely manner. Furthermore, due to the scale of the incident, additional resources may be needed beyond what is typically available in routine emergency scenarios. This aspect of mass casualty incidents highlights the complexity and demands placed on emergency response systems when faced with multiple patients requiring urgent care.