A mass casualty incident is a disaster, either man made or natural where the number of patients exceeds the amount of healthcare resources available. This number varies widely across the country, but is typically greater than eight to 10 patients.

Fire and EMS staff from both Juniata and Mifflin County as well as some emergency responders from Centre County attended this two day training.

“Local fire and EMS personnel took time out of their weekend to be there, showing our town how serious they take bettering themselves at the highest level they can,” said FAME EMS Fire Chief Pat Shoop.

Shoop explained that this training is very important to have at least every few years to keep EMS, Firefighters and Police on top of their game if a mass casualty incident would occur.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
Students await their turn to transport their simulated patients on Saturday at the Mifflin County High School in Highland Park.

Examples of incidents include building collapses, mass shootings, bus accidents or other vehicle accidents.

This training teaches triaging, stabilizing, and transporting victims to definitive care during mass casualties. It teaches emergency responders how to group patients and how to bring their resources together. There may be large numbers of victims who will need care. Strategies and plans for effective management, communication, and collaboration are essential during a mass casualty incident.

The military, fire department, police department, search, and rescue units, as well as the country’s or jurisdiction’s health ministry, may become involved depending on the type and severity of an MCI.

“Our area does not experience a mass casualty often so these trainings keep us sharp with the skills needed to take on such a disaster,” Shoop added. “We also have a vehicle located at FAME that is stocked with the necessary supplies and equipment ready to take on such a disaster.”

AJ Heightman, former EMS director and EMS operations director who has researched and specialized in MCI management training for 30 years, is a good friend of FAME. Heightman visits every few years to offer this training to local personnel.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
JEMS Instructor AJ Heightman instructs Fame EMS EMT Saren Wray on Saturday at the Mifflin County High School in Highland Park.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology EMS Student Tyler Evelhoch, City Hook & Ladder Jr Firefighters Hunter Bishop and Dylan Kauffman organize priority of patient injuries for transport on Saturday at the Mifflin Co High School in Highland Park.