FM/BG-182 - Working with mass casualty incidents (MCI)
A mass casualty incident is any medical situation which renders an element combat ineffective and where it's unable to sustain itself. When dealing with MCIs as a medic a structured approach is required. For example a senior medic may instruct the following:
- Combat Life Savers: tourniqueting all limbs, checking airways, bandaging head and torso, stitching or CPR.
- Squad or Combat Medics: ensuring airways are clear and all casualties are receiving blood.
- Platoon Medics and above: triaging incoming wounded and tasking other helpers to ensure all casualties are being treated.