Understanding a Mass Casualty Incident: What Does It Really Mean?

A Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) does not mean there have been multiple fatalities. It means the number of patients involved in an incident exceeds, or has the potential to exceed, the immediately available resources needed to care for them.

Morris Township Fire Company would like to take a moment to clarify the terminology used when emergency responders declare an incident a Mass Casualty Incident, as there is often confusion surrounding what that designation actually means.

The term can sound alarming, and many people understandably associate it with a large number of deaths or extremely serious injuries. However, that is not what the designation means. An MCI is primarily a resource and response designation. It allows emergency services to recognize that additional personnel, ambulances, medical equipment, and coordination may be needed to safely and efficiently care for everyone involved.

We experienced two separate incidents within a relatively short period that help demonstrate the difference.

Last Night – Interstate 80, Mile Marker 126

At approximately 2109 hours, Company 17 was alerted to assist BJW Fire Company with a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 80 at mile marker 126.

The initial incident involved a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, the situation quickly escalated as multiple additional tractor-trailers became involved, striking vehicles from the original collision.

Despite the number of vehicles and tractor-trailers involved, there was only one reported injury.

While this was a significant multi-vehicle collision requiring an emergency response, the number of patients did not warrant a Mass Casualty Incident designation.

This Morning – Another Vehicle Accident

At approximately 0849 hours, Company 17 was alerted to another motor vehicle accident. This incident involved only two vehicles, but there was a significant difference in the number of people requiring medical attention.

There were a total of seven patients involved in this incident.

Due to the number of patients and the medical resources needed to care for them, additional ambulances were requested from Moshannon Valley EMS, Sandy Ridge, Clearfield, and Life Flight.

Because of the number of patients and the resources required to manage the incident, this accident was declared a Mass Casualty Incident.

Why Is This Important?

As these two incidents demonstrate, the number of vehicles involved does not determine whether an incident is classified as a Mass Casualty Incident. The number of patients, their medical needs, and the available resources all play a role in that determination.

An accident involving ten vehicles could result in only one injured patient, while an accident involving just two vehicles could result in seven or more patients requiring medical attention.

A Mass Casualty Incident does not automatically mean there are fatalities, multiple critical injuries, or a catastrophic event. It simply means emergency responders need to bring additional resources and coordination into play to ensure everyone receives the care they need.

When you hear the term MCI on emergency communications or see it reported in the news, please understand that it describes the scale of the medical response, not necessarily the severity or outcome of the incident.

Our responsibility is to make sure the appropriate resources are requested and that every patient receives the attention and care they deserve.

Morris Township Fire Company – Company 17

Serving our community and standing ready when the call comes in.