Developing Physician Anesthesiologist Leaders in Emergency Preparedness

A mass casualty incident (MCI) is any event in which medical resources become overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties. Large-scale disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorist acts are obvious examples of MCIs. Smaller incidents, however, can been equally crippling for a medical facility. A multi-car accident on a remote highway or a local infectious disease outbreak can bring normal hospital operations to a standstill. There is consensus that all hospitals should be ready to manage MCIs from a variety of causes, and ample evidence that many are still not prepared. As illustrated in the recent ASA Monitor article “Be Prepared”¹ , the medical response to the “Ride the Ducks” MCI at a level 1 trauma center (Harborview Medical Center in Seattle) went smoothly because of planning, practice and staff familiarity with triage and trauma manage-ment. Our medical center is just a few blocks away from Harborview,...