How is a "mass casualty incident" defined in the ICEMA Protocol?

A "mass casualty incident" is defined as an event that overwhelms local medical resources, requiring coordinated response efforts. This definition emphasizes the scale and severity of such incidents, which typically involve a large number of casualties that cannot be effectively managed using standard resources or procedures. In these situations, community EMS services, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities must work together, employing advanced planning, coordination, and resource sharing to provide effective care.

The nature of mass casualty incidents can include disasters like natural calamities, large-scale accidents, or acts of violence that lead to numerous injuries in a short period of time. The need for a coordinated response highlights the significance of having pre-established protocols to manage and allocate resources, ensuring that all affected individuals receive the necessary care.

In contrast, other options refer to situations that do not match this definition. For instance, an event with minimal patient impact does not challenge local resources or necessitate coordination, while a planned evacuation of facilities does not typically involve casualties and is more about transitioning or moving patients safely. Lastly, a single high-profile emergency case, despite its visibility, does not overwhelm medical resources in the way a mass casualty incident would.