How many patients are typically involved in a mass casualty incident (MCI)?

In the context of mass casualty incidents (MCIs), the number of patients typically refers to a significant event that overwhelms the available medical resources. The standard definition within emergency management and medical response usually categorizes MCIs based on the number of casualties requiring immediate medical attention and the ability of emergency services to cope.

The range of twenty-six to ninety-nine patients aligns with a more widely accepted classification of MCIs. This category indicates a substantial level of casualties where the usual emergency response plans may be insufficient, necessitating a multi-agency response and specialized tactics to manage and triage patients effectively. This number reflects a situation that is serious enough to trigger a mass casualty response, often prompting the activation of emergency management protocols and mutual aid from surrounding areas.

Understanding this classification helps EMS personnel anticipate the resources needed and establish effective triage systems to prioritize care for those patients in critical need.