Dhar et al reported a classification for mass disaster based on the demands placed on hospital resources. The authors ar efrom Government Hospital for Bone and Joint Surgery, Barzullah, Srinagar, Kashmir (India).
Category
Rate of Patient Arrival Relative to Maximum Capacity
Adequacy of Response
1
<= 150%
within system capabilities
2
151 to 200%
may be able to cope if can increase surge capacity (call in people, etc)
3
201 to 300%
delays and some services fail
4
> 300%
system failure
Category
Time Interval from First Notice and Patient Arrival
Available Resources and Adequacy of Response
D
<= 15 minutes
minimal; delays likely since all resources may be already committed
C
16 to 60 minutes
some resources can be allocated to handle the emergency
B
1 to 6 hours
more resources allocated to handle the emergency but some resources still committed
A
> 6 hours
maximal; routine work suspended with all resources for disaster management
Proper triage is essential. Patients with minor injuries may arrive first, and it is important to be prepared for an influx of patients with more serious injuries later.
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