EMS Catastrophic Events

Excerpt

Catastrophic events include natural disasters such as Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, and mass casualty terrorist attacks like the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Hydrometeorological catastrophes, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, are predictable, whereas geological disasters, such as earthquakes, are not. Many natural disasters compromise infrastructure, damaging buildings, roads, electricity, and communication systems. Although natural disasters impact entire communities, the poor and vulnerable suffer disproportionately. Terrorist attacks primarily target urban areas to maximize casualties. Complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs) result in deaths from both violence and disease.

A multi-casualty incident (MCI) occurs when available resources, including rescue personnel, healthcare providers, facilities, and equipment, are insufficient to manage the crisis. A disaster not only overwhelms resources but also disrupts communication and prevents resource distribution. Local rescue workers and healthcare personnel may become casualties or be unable to report for duty, and healthcare facilities may be damaged or destroyed.