Civilian hospital role in mass casualty event (MCE)

Abstract

The potential for MCEs to occur at any time and any place necessitates the need for medical systems to develop and have the capabilities to withstand such an event. In this respect an MCE can be compared with an “ambush” as they can strike when least expected and are diffi cult to prepare for. Thus, a response system should be similar to that of a trained soldier-automatic and based on preestablished and drilled practices. Hence, there is a crucial need for continued preparedness, including standing orders and repeated exercises [1].