Investigating Emergency Medical System Challenges in Mass Casualty Incidents: A Case Report Study in Road Traffic Accidents in Northern Iran

Abstract

Background: Before the arrival of patients at medical facilities, emergency medical teams often encounter numerous challenges in dealing with mass casualties resulting from road traffic accidents. This study examines the challenges that pre-hospital emergency medical services face during mass casualty incidents caused by road traffic accidents. Materials and Methods: This study presents three road accidents that caused significant numbers of casualties in Golestan Province, Iran. The data for this report was gathered from various sources, including recorded images and videos, analysis of hospital records, and pre-hospital care reports. In addition, group discussions were held with emergency medical technicians who were present at the accident scene. Results: Providing relief aid in three sections, namely first responders, emergency call centers, and emergency medical technicians faces significant challenges. The challenges related to the management of mass casualties were mainly in terms of the inability to manage the accident scene by the first responders, management of calls and sharing information in the dispatch center, and medical measures required to be done at the incident scene. Conclusion: To ensure a prompt and efficient response to mass casualty incidents, it is crucial to focus on managing the incident scene by the first responders, as well as optimizing the communication and information exchange during dispatches and field medical interventions. To enhance the quality of emergency medical services, it is vital to develop educational programs, communication strategies, and standardized policies that can be implemented across all mass casualty incidents.

Keywords

• mass casualty incidents
• first responder
• traffic accident
• emergency services