Roberts listed criteria for a mass casualty incident (MCI) for runners in a marathon. The same criteria can be applied to any large community gathering.
A mass casualty incident is one that where the number of casualties exceed the response capabilities of the community using routine procedures.
Factors that may impose a limit on the handling of a casualty:
(1) availability of ambulances
(2) number of emergency room beds
(3) emergency response staffing
(4) resources required to treat patients
Factors impacting the MCI:
(1) The rate at which the casualties present (influx)
(2) The intensity of service required.
(3) The length of time that a casualty uses resources.
(4) The ability to predict and to prepare for the influx.
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