Emergency Communication Guidelines MCI

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary challenge identified for emergency medical resources during a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)?

Delayed communication with local law enforcement

Overwhelming number and severity of casualties (correct)

The misidentification of casualties

Inefficient use of medical supplies

In a Mass Casualty Incident, which tier indicates a catastrophic event that requires extensive resource coordination?

MCI Tier 2

MCI Tier 4 (correct)

MCI Tier 3

MCI Tier 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the guidelines established for Mass Casualty Incidents?

To train personnel on fire operations only

To regulate the actions of police and public works during an event

To provide integrated procedures for effective emergency response (correct)

To serve as the sole operational document for all incidents

What does the acronym CAN stand for, in relation to assessing the need for an MCI response?

Conditions, Actions, Needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Communication Center during a Mass Casualty Incident?

Providing real-time updates and coordination between resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following entities is NOT typically associated with a local response during an MCI?

State Department of Transportation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the review date mentioned in the guidelines?

It indicates when the guidelines will be reassessed for relevance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the EMS Supply Supervisor during a mass casualty incident?

To ensure medical supplies and equipment are available on scene Signup and view all the answers

During a Mass Casualty Incident, what is primarily overwhelmed according to the guidelines?

Emergency medical resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the policy emphasize regarding the response to a Mass Casualty Incident?

Coordination between local, regional, and potentially federal resources is essential Signup and view all the answers

Which group is responsible for managing Triage, Treatment, and Transportation during an incident?

The Triage, Treatment, and Transportation Groups Signup and view all the answers

What should responders be aware of regarding the incident scene in the context of a mass casualty incident?

Responders should minimize disturbance to the scene to preserve evidence Signup and view all the answers

How should large geographic areas or functions be managed during a mass casualty incident?

By subdividing them and establishing distinct divisions or groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consideration when planning resources for a mass casualty incident?

Response plans should include support from various governmental levels Signup and view all the answers

What is critical to ensure access to adequate medical supplies during a mass casualty incident?

A dedicated EMS Supply Supervisor in the Logistics Section Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should be taken regarding the Liaison Officer in a mass casualty incident?

They must identify and account for all external resources Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the communications plan to be developed during an incident?

To ensure a coordinated response and efficient information flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of MEDCOM during a Multi-Casualty Incident?

Coordinating hospital notifications and bed availability Signup and view all the answers

Which task is NOT assigned to the Communications Center during an MCI?

Transporting injured individuals to hospitals Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Transport Group Officer have during an MCI?

Coordinating air ambulance service and landing zones Signup and view all the answers

Which communication duty must be fulfilled during an MCI?

Contacting additional Communications Dispatchers as needed Signup and view all the answers

What is a key duty of the Communications Center in terms of resource management during an MCI?

Monitoring the main Tactical Channel for information flow Signup and view all the answers

What action should the Communications Center take to ensure adequate staffing during a mass casualty incident?

Notify all off-duty Communications Officers to report Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an essential duty of the Communications Center related to triage?

Assist the Transport Group Officer in assigning hospital destinations Signup and view all the answers

Which notification must be sent as part of the Communications Center's duties when responding to an MCI?

Notifying the San Antonio Office of Emergency Management Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) according to the guidelines?

Any incident where emergency medical resources are insufficient for the number of casualties Signup and view all the answers

Which tier classification indicates a need for extensive coordination across local, regional, and federal resources in an MCI?

MCI Tier 4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main guideline regarding the deciding factor for declaring an MCI?

The first arriving unit's assessment of the situation Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a Mass Casualty Incident, which is NOT included as part of the local entities typically involved in MCI responses?

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of CAN relevant in the context of an MCI?

It helps in assessing the situation to decide on MCI response necessity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the SOG established for Mass Casualty Incidents?

To facilitate medical operations in overwhelming casualty situations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between an MCI and the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?

All MCI operations must follow NIMS guidelines for coordination Signup and view all the answers

What denotes an overwhelming situation in the classification of MCIs?

An incident that requires additional resources beyond local capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of EMS resources allocated for TIER 3 in a scenario with 30-39 patients?

12 Signup and view all the answers

In TIER 1, how many resources are allocated for the ENGINE and LADDER combined?

6 Signup and view all the answers

Which resource type has a fixed allocation of 1 across all tiers?

SAFETY Signup and view all the answers

How many total resources are available for TIER 4 in the AMBUS category?

2 Signup and view all the answers

For TIER 2, how many resources are allocated to the BC category?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Safety Officer during a Mass Casualty Incident?

To ensure scene safety by identifying hazards Signup and view all the answers

What action is required of all groups or divisions in regard to unsafe acts at the scene of an MCI?

Exercise the authority to stop unsafe acts immediately Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should a Communication Supervisor report to the EOC?

Upon activation of the EOC if available Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel wear to avoid confusion at the incident site?

Identification vests or markers Signup and view all the answers

What is the Communications Center's role regarding progress reporting during an MCI?

To acknowledge all communications with detailed updates Signup and view all the answers

During an MCI, when should notification over Alert be initiated?

Beginning at Tier 2 for significant incidents Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with regards to hazardous actions observed at the incident scene?

Immediately correct any unsafe act witnessed Signup and view all the answers

What is required for personnel when implementing the Closest Hospital Protocol?

To communicate hospital capabilities to the Command Center Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial responsibility of the EMS Supply Supervisor during a mass casualty incident?

Overseeing the distribution of medical supplies to units Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of incident management is emphasized regarding geographical areas during a mass casualty incident?

Dividing large areas and assigning supervisors Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to establish a Liaison Officer quickly in a mass casualty incident?

To identify and account for non-SAFD resources Signup and view all the answers

During a mass casualty incident, what should responders maintain awareness of regarding the scene?

Potential evidence that should not be disturbed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Logistics Section during a mass casualty incident?

Managing medical supply distribution through the EMS Supply Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

How should personnel be organized to manage Triage, Treatment, and Transportation effectively?

By adequately staffing and managing assigned groups Signup and view all the answers

What additional action should be taken concerning local, state, and federal resources during an MCI?

Plan for their arrival and integration into the incident management Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first actions to be taken to ensure effective incident management after notifying commanders?

Establish a communications plan adapted to the incident Signup and view all the answers

What critical responsibility does the Communications Center hold when a Mass Casualty Incident occurs?

Receiving notifications and dispatching appropriate responses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT a duty assigned to MEDCOM during an MCI?

Assigning tactical channels for radio communication Signup and view all the answers

In what capacity does the Communications Center ensure the responsiveness of personnel during an incident?

By notifying off-duty personnel to report as needed Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of the Communications Center in relation to hospital coordination?

Ensuring continuous monitoring of hospital bed availability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions demonstrates an effective communication function during an MCI?

Monitoring of main tactical channels for information Signup and view all the answers

How does the Communications Center assist with the coordination of air ambulance service?

By prompting the Incident Commander to establish a Landing Zone Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant task that the Communications Center must perform in relation to the Transport Group Officer?

Assigning hospital destinations for patients Signup and view all the answers

What must the Communications Center ensure regarding its personnel throughout an incident?

Proper staffing of communications functions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communications Center Guidelines for MCIs

Initial Notification & Dispatch: The Communications Center receives the initial MCI notification and dispatches the appropriate tiered response.
Notification of Other Agencies: The Communications Center notifies other individuals and support agencies as established by protocol, including the San Antonio Office of Emergency Management (SAOEM).
Notification of Shift Commanders: The Communications Center notifies the on-duty Medical Shift Commander (MSC) and Fire Shift Commander (FSC) about the MCI.
Hospital Coordination: The Communications Center assigns MEDCOM to coordinate with hospitals regarding bed availability, patient transport, and other duties. MEDCOM uses EMSystem and WebEOC for patient tracking and load-balancing.
Tier 4 Resource Support: MEDCOM assists the Transport Group Officer in assigning hospital destinations and coordinating Tier 4 resources, including those outside of SAFD units.

Staffing & Communication

Staffing: The Communications Center ensures proper staffing throughout the incident, including notifying off-duty Communications Officers and contacting additional dispatchers as needed.
Channel Monitoring & Assignment: The Communications Center monitors radio channels, assigns tactical channels, and notifies the command of assigned channels.
Information Sharing: The Communications Center actively monitors the main Tactical Channel and provides information to responding units.
Resource Availability: The Communications Center informs Staging or Logistics Officers about the availability of personnel, equipment, and resources.
Air Ambulance Coordination: The Communications Center assists the Transport Group Officer in coordinating air ambulance service and prompting the Incident Commander (IC) to establish a landing zone.
Supply Personnel: The Communications Center contacts "on-call" supply personnel to respond to the scene with the EMS Supply Van.

Key Considerations for Ongoing Incident

Incident Organization Development: Adapt incident organization (General, Staff, Command Staff, Branches, Divisions, Groups, etc.) to the specific needs of the event.
Communication Plan Implementation: Develop and implement a communication plan tailored to the incident organization.
Subdivision & Supervision: Subdivide large geographic areas or functions, assigning supervisors and using clear nomenclature.
Triage, Treatment & Transportation: Ensure adequate staffing and management of Triage, Treatment, and Transportation Groups.
Crime Scene Considerations: Responders acknowledge the potential crime scene and minimize disturbance while prioritizing patient care.
Medical Supply Access: The Logistics Section assigns an EMS Supply Supervisor to ensure adequate medical supplies and equipment are readily available. Fire personnel may assist EMS Supply personnel or the Supervisor.
Support from Other Agencies: Utilize support from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), other city departments, and state/federal resources. Anticipate the arrival of local, state, and federal resources.
Liaison Officer: Establish a Liaison Officer to identify all non-SAFD resources and ensure they are accounted for (who they are, where they are, and what they are doing).
Shift Commander Response: The Fire Shift Commander and Medical Shift Commander are notified of the MCI by dispatch. Response to the scene is at their discretion. Consider establishing Area Command.

Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Overview

Definition: Any incident where emergency medical resources (personnel and equipment) are overwhelmed due to the number and severity of casualties.
Triggered by First Arriving Unit: The initial responding unit determines whether an MCI response is necessary based on conditions, actions, and needs (CAN).
MCI Tiers:
- Tiers 1-3: Significant events where local entities respond.
- Tier 4: Catastrophic event requiring substantial regional, state, and/or federal resources, including EMS Supply Van, TRT, HazMat, MSOU, ARFF, and additional law enforcement.

MCI Response Guidelines

Incident Organization: Develop and implement a comprehensive incident organization using the Incident Management SOP.
Communication Plan: Establish a clear plan for communication within the incident organization, including tactical channels, notification procedures, and tracking of resources.
Triage, Treatment, and Transportation: Ensure adequate staffing and management for triage, treatment, and transportation groups.
Potential Crime Scene: Responders should be aware of the potential for a crime scene and minimize disturbance, but not compromise patient care.
Medical Supplies: Ensure the Logistics Section has an EMS Supply Supervisor to manage medical supplies and equipment.

Communications Center Guidelines

Initial Notification and Dispatch: Receive initial notification of an incident and dispatch appropriate resources based on the tiered response.
Notification of Agencies: Notify relevant agencies, including the San Antonio Office of Emergency Management (SAOEM), the Medical Shift Commander (MSC), and the Fire Shift Commander (FSC).
Hospital Coordination: Assign MEDCOM to notify hospitals and track bed availability, patient transport, and other relevant information.
Personnel and Equipment Allocation: Ensure sufficient staffing at the Communications Center and allocate personnel and equipment as needed.
Air Ambulance Service: Coordinate with the Incident Commander (IC) to establish a landing zone for air ambulances.
Supply Personnel: Notify "on-call" supply personnel to respond to the scene with the EMS Supply Van.
Media Notification: Coordinate with the IC on media notification and communication.
Triage and Decontamination Tents: Assign personnel to deliver triage and/or decontamination tents, as requested by the IC.
Communication Management: Acknowledgment and reporting of messages, requests for additional resources, and information relayed to other groups.
EOC Liaison: If activated, a Communications Supervisor reports to the EOC to act as a liaison.
Tiered Response Procedures: Implement closest hospital protocols for Tier 2 incidents and suspend selective calling for Tier 3 incidents.
Tier 4 Priority Dispatching: Implement priority dispatching for Tier 4 incidents.
Safety Officer: Assign a Safety Officer to ensure scene safety.

MCI Safety Guidelines

Prudent Judgment: All personnel on the scene should exercise prudent judgment and avoid unsafe acts.
Hazard Identification and Mitigation: Safety Officer responsibilities include surveying the incident area, identifying hazards, advising Incident Command, and correcting unsafe acts.
Identification Vests: Personnel assigned to specific staff functions under the ICS protocol are required to wear an appropriate vest or identification marker.

MCI Tier Quick Reference Chart

Resource Counts: The chart provides a breakdown of the number of required resources for each MCI tier: EMS personnel, Medical Officer of the Field (MOF), Battalion Chiefs (BC), Engines, Ladders, AMBUS, FSC, MSC, and Safety Officers.
Air Medical Transport: Air medical transport is placed on standby and the IC will determine the need for its deployment.
FSC and MSC Notification: The FSC and MSC are contacted by dispatch to advise of an MCI.

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Description

This quiz covers the guidelines for managing communications during Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs). Topics include initial notifications, agency coordination, and hospital communication protocols. Test your knowledge on the procedures outlined for effective response management.