On occasion, it all comes together — during a major incident where resources are slim and access to care is limited, emergency responders work together to promote the best possible outcome.
As reported in the article, the responders did their pre-incident preparation through training, and as the event began to unfold, set up a communication system that facilitated the flow of information from the scene to the providers to the receiving facilities.
You can do this too, by taking the effort to perform the three “Rs:"
1) Review — Look over your MCI plans and destination policies that would take effect during mass casualty events.
2) Rehearse — Tabletop exercises and walk-through training can help iron out pesky logistical issues and build familiarity. In addition, encourage your system to practice “triage” days, where every patient encounter gets a triage tag.
3) React — Remember that the wonderful organizational plan that’s in place can go out the window as soon as an actual event begins. Use your training to adapt to the situation, and be resourceful in your management. You too can be the hero in your community.
