Which three components are fundamental during a mass casualty incident?

In a mass casualty incident, effectively managing resources and care for multiple patients is critical. The three fundamental components mentioned—command, triage, and transportation—are essential for the coordinated response to a large-scale emergency.

Command refers to establishing a clear chain of command and organization among various responding agencies and personnel. This is crucial to ensure that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities, facilitating efficient decision-making and communication during the incident.

Triage is the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions. In a situation where there are many victims, not all can receive immediate care; thus, triage helps medical personnel determine who needs treatment first and who can wait, ensuring that resources are used effectively to save the most lives.

Transportation involves the organized movement of patients to medical facilities. During mass casualty incidents, rapid and efficient transport systems must be in place to assist those with critical injuries while also managing the overall flow of patients to avoid overwhelming hospitals.

These three components work together to provide a structured approach to managing the chaos that can arise during mass casualty events, ensuring that care and resources are allocated effectively.