Surgery & Traumatology
Mass casualties
Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) require structured and efficient responses to optimize patient outcomes and resource utilization. Intensive care physicians play a critical role in planning, organization, and leadership during MCIs. Effective triage strategies and resource allocation are essential for managing limited resources and prioritizing critical care. Pre-incident planning and multidisciplinary coordination are crucial for ensuring a swift and effective response. Ethical considerations and decision-making in resource-limited scenarios are also vital for optimizing patient care during crises.
Mass casualty incidents
Clinical review: The role of the intensive care physician in mass casualty incidents: planning, organisation, and leadership
Peter J Shirley et al., Critical Care (2008)
What’s inside
This clinical review outlines the role of intensive care physicians in mass casualty incidents (MCIs), focusing on planning, organization, and leadership in crisis situations.
Why it’s relevant
MCIs overwhelm healthcare systems, requiring structured and efficient responses to optimize patient outcomes and resource utilization.
Key focus
- Pre-incident planning and preparedness for MCIs
- Triage strategies to prioritize critical care resources
- Leadership roles of ICU physicians in coordinating multidisciplinary teams
- Ethical considerations and decision-making in resource-limited scenarios
Takeaway
The review emphasizes the critical role of ICU physicians in leading and organizing responses to MCIs, ensuring effective triage, resource allocation, and patient care during crises.