What should be done first when dealing with a mass casualty incident?

When dealing with a mass casualty incident, beginning by assessing and triaging patients is the most crucial first step. This process helps first responders prioritize care based on the severity of injuries and the immediate needs of the patients. Triage ensures that individuals who require urgent medical attention receive it first, thereby optimizing the use of available resources and improving outcomes in a situation where time is of the essence.

By identifying patients who are in the greatest danger and who need immediate treatment versus those who can wait, responders can create a structured approach to managing the chaos often present in mass casualty scenarios. This systematic assessment is essential in a dynamic and high-pressure environment and lays the groundwork for all subsequent actions, whether they involve transportation to medical facilities or providing on-site care.

While actions like contacting hospital administration or notifying the media may be important, they come after the initial assessment and triage. Performing surgeries should also not be the first step, as it assumes that resources and priorities have already been established without a thorough evaluation of the situation. Therefore, initiating the triage process is fundamental in effectively responding to mass casualty incidents.