LANCASTER – A mass casualty incident (MCI) is declared when an incident involves more casualties than a typical emergency response team can handle.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Multiple vehicle collisions,
- Mass transit accidents,
- Carbon monoxide emergencies,
- Hazmat incidents,
- Multiple shooting victims, and
- Chemical exposure.
University of Antelope Valley has conducted an MCI drill for the last five paramedic training classes, according to UAV Fire/EMS Instructor Ron Stanick. The next MCI drill is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2014.
“The purpose for the exercise is to enhance the paramedic students’ understanding of the Incident Command System and allow them to work in a realistic large-scale incident,” Stanick said. “Experienced emergency faculty teaches the components in the classroom and then assigns each student a command role during the exercise. This allows them to experience the stress and pressure of being overwhelmed by large numbers of people who require rescue and medical aid.”
The training also incorporates UAV’s EMT students, Fire Science students and for the first time, Nursing students.
The EMT students assist in basic life support skills; Fire Science students conduct physical rescue operations; and Nursing students work in a ‘hospital receiving’ scenario in the UAV gymnasium.
“We always invite past paramedic students to participate and we enlist the assistance of volunteers from other programs on campus. A variety of emergency situations are incorporated, including earthquakes, gas explosions and multi-vehicle accidents,” said Stanick.
For more information on the mass casualty incident training on Sept. 30, or any other programs offered at the University of Antelope Valley, call 661-726-1911.
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