Section 21 Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is the primary goal in disaster and mass casualty management?
To provide effective medical care while maximizing survival and minimizing suffering.
What are the key components of disaster preparedness?
Planning, training, resource allocation, communication, and coordination.
How is triage conducted in mass casualty situations?
Patients are prioritized based on severity of injury and survivability: Immediate, Delayed, Minor, and Expectant.
What does the START triage system stand for?
Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment.
What are the primary colors used in triage tagging?
Red (Immediate), Yellow (Delayed), Green (Minor), and Black (Deceased/Expectant).
What is the role of Incident Command in disaster management?
To establish control, coordination, and communication during a mass casualty event.
How is chemical exposure managed in a disaster setting?
Decontamination, airway protection, and administration of antidotes if available.
What is the importance of decontamination in chemical disasters?
To prevent further exposure and contamination of medical facilities.
What are the key considerations for radiation exposure in emergencies?
Time of exposure, distance from the source, and shielding effectiveness.
How is radiation exposure managed in emergency care?
Decontamination, administration of potassium iodide, and supportive care.
What is the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in disaster response?
To protect responders from hazardous materials and infectious agents.
How is biological exposure managed in mass casualty events?
Isolation, decontamination, vaccination if available, and infection control.
What is the significance of surge capacity in emergency settings?
The ability to handle a sudden influx of patients beyond normal capacity.
What are the key elements of a hospital emergency incident command system (HEICS)?
Incident management, communication, resource allocation, and patient care coordination.
How is evacuation managed in disaster scenarios?
Prioritization of critically injured, special needs populations, and transport logistics.
What are the critical components of crisis communication during a disaster?
Timely, clear, accurate, and consistent messaging to the public and responders.
What is the role of field hospitals in mass casualty events?
To provide medical care on-site, stabilize patients, and reduce hospital burden.
How is crowd control managed during mass casualty events?
Coordination with law enforcement, clear pathways, and controlled access to critical areas.
What are the principles of blast injury management?
Airway protection, hemorrhage control, and stabilization of fractures and soft tissue injuries.
What is the priority during a biological terrorism event?
Identification of the agent, containment, and immediate protective measures.
What is the purpose of disaster drills in hospital settings?
To prepare staff, test protocols, and identify gaps in emergency response plans.
How is patient tracking managed during a mass casualty incident?
Using triage tags, electronic databases, and communication networks.
What is reverse triage, and when is it used?
Prioritizing those with the best chances of survival first; often used in military or combat scenarios.
How is shelter-in-place different from evacuation?
Shelter-in-place means staying indoors and sealing off the environment, while evacuation involves leaving the area entirely.