[Inhospital Management of Mass Casualty Incidents (MASCAL)].

Abstract

Over the past 12 months, Germany has experienced a number of significant events that have led to mass casualty incidents. Major emergencies, natural disasters and hazardous situations, including terrorism and amok, are characterized by an unexpected and simultaneous occurrence of a large number of casualties. Hospitals are key elements in the management of a mass casualty incident. After the emergency care on site, the casualties must be quickly transferred to hospitals ready to receive them. In order to ensure structured patient treatment in such an exceptional situation, hospitals must develop, train and practice emergency plans. Essential elements of contingency plans are the setup of a command and control structure, definition of dedicated treatment areas, triage, staff deployment and the stocking of materials. In prolonged scenarios the sustainment of treatment capacity is vital. Strategic hospital command and control is in charge to manage such situations.