Goal: As rapidly as possible transport patients to appropriate hospital(s).
1. Incident CommandSystem will be utilized.
2. The ambulance service in whose PSAP the incident occurs is responsible for the management of the EMS component (including EMS command).
3. Communications
a. When an MCIoccurs, the ambulance dispatch center in whose PSAP the event occurs should direct responding units to an available EMS approved channel. All ambulances responding to the event should go to the appropriate channel.
4. EMS Command
a. Each service will be responsible to determine which individual(s) will assume role of “EMS branch command” for their area.
b. All units responding to event will contact and follow directions of “EMS branch command.”
5. “EMS Branch Command” functions
a. EMS branch command assumes all roles until delegated.
b. Make contact (as appropriate) with overall incident commander(s).
c. Report to hospitals/dispatch estimated number and type (severity) of casualties.
d. Determine need and request additional EMS resources.
e. Identify ambulance staging area(s) – including best in and OUT routes.
f. Identify potential scene hazards.
g. Provide timely updates to hospitals/dispatch of event.
h. Determine need for additional EMS command sectors.
i. EMS branch command will consider need for individuals to assume role of:
· Triage
· Transportation/staging
· Communications
· Safety
6. Transportation and receiving facilities
a. The medical control hospital closest to the incident will have primary responsibility for receiving critically ill and injured patients. Its emergency department will be contacted by EMS Command with estimates of casualties and to determine the number of patients which can be received.
b. Ambulance personnel will contact EMS Command to relay number of patients, medical condition and to receive hospital assignment.
c. EMS Command will notify Rice of incoming patients and continue to assess the need for diverting patients to the next closest appropriate hospital. Since victims may find alternative means for transport to hospitals, emergency department personnel should contact EMS Command if unable to receive additional patients.
d. The EMS Branch Director (or delegate) will determine the need for additional or alternative transport resources. If transportation vehicles are used which cannot communicate with MRCC , the EMS Branch Director (or delegate) will communicate number of patients to MRCC and receive hospital assignment.