Which personnel are responsible for deciding the number and acuity of clients during a disaster?

The medical command physician plays a critical role in managing the flow of patients during a disaster situation. This individual is responsible for assessing the overall situation and making decisions about the allocation of resources, which includes determining the number and acuity of clients that can be managed based on the current capabilities of the hospital or emergency response team.

This role demands a high level of expertise and experience, as the physician must consider various factors such as available staffing, medical supplies, and the severity of patients' conditions. The medical command physician coordinates with other healthcare professionals to ensure a structured approach is taken when triaging patients – which is essential during a disaster when the needs can far exceed available resources.

In contrast, other personnel mentioned have distinct roles; the hospital administrator focuses more on logistical and operational aspects rather than direct patient acuity decisions. The triage nurse is primarily involved in the initial assessment and categorization of patients as they arrive, which is crucial but does not encompass the broader strategic decisions made by the medical command physician. The emergency response team provides essential support on the ground, but they rely on the directives and assessments made by the medical command physician to operate effectively.