What is one primary goal during a mass casualty event?

In a mass casualty event, the primary goal is to assess and prioritize patients for treatment based on urgency. This process, known as triage, is critical because resources such as medical personnel, equipment, and time are often limited in situations where a large number of individuals require immediate care.

By prioritizing patients, responders can ensure that those with life-threatening conditions receive the necessary treatment first, thereby maximizing the chances of survival and optimizing the overall effectiveness of the response efforts. This approach is essential, as it allows healthcare providers to deliver care to those who need it most urgently, ensuring that critical resources are utilized effectively in a chaotic environment.

While evacuation of patients and equal treatment are important considerations, they can only be effectively managed after initial triage has been performed. Immediately treating all patients without an assessment can lead to overwhelming the available resources and potentially compromising care for those who are in the most critical need. Therefore, the triage process is fundamental in emergency management during mass casualty incidents.