An incident with multiple victims is referred to as a Multiple Casualty Incident (MCI) when the total number of casualties is more than the customary emergency medical system (EMS) assignment can quickly or effectively treat and transport; when demand exceeds the normal, local resources.

There are several facets that must be managed in order to successfully handle an MCI quickly and efficiently. One of those is the Transportation Group, which coordinates the transportation of all patients as part of surge control and efficient scene management. This program reviews the role and responsibilities of the Transportation Group at an MCI.

In addition, the program will discuss responder considerations related to patient surge from an MCI, which can be applied any time emergency departments are experiencing patient overloads. The goal of the program is to ensure the efficient management of the logistics involved with an MCI, with a focus on transportation coordination. It is imperative that responders are in control of the scene, even with the large number of patients.

Featuring A.J. Heightman, MPA, EMT-P, Editor-in-Chief, JEMS