MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT – TRAINING BASED ANALYSIS OF STATE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEM

Aim: Mass casualty incident is a challenge for the whole Emergency Medical System. The training had been prepared in order to optimize the readiness and to implement and practice the procedures issued by the ministry regarding mass casualty incidents. Material and method: The article analyzes the response capabilities of Emergency Medical System along with cooperating units, in case of mass casualty road traffic accident. Proper allocation of patients, following the procedure and the availability of forces and resources within the operational area were analyzed. Accident involved 30 casualties and was responded by numerous emergency units, such as Emergency Medical Teams, State Fire Service, Voluntary Fire Service, Police and City Guard. Emergency Medical System units implemented the procedures issued by the Ministry of Health regarding mass casualty incidents correctly. The leader of the first Emergency Medical Team to arrive served as the Action Medic in Charge. Further Emergency Medical Teams to arrive undertook proper cooperation with Medic in Charge. Allocation of patients to hospitals was correct. After the accident one casualty left the scene, which made the rescue action more complex. Conclusions: Simulating such incidents may prepare the medical personnel for real-life action. Regular training is the best form of gathering knowledge and increasing patients’ safety. Communication during incidents of this kind is problematic and requires high-priority improvement.