A hospital emergency department received a call that multiple casualti

A hospital emergency department received a call that multiple casualties were on their way, primarily burns from a large factory fire. Which of the following actions should the hospital take immediately?

a. Ask the governor of the state to declare the area a disaster area so state help can be obtained
b. Call surrounding hospitals to set up burn units, because there will be too many patients for one hospital to manage
c. Call in physicians and nursing staff who are experts in burn care
d. Get in touch with the American Red Cross to assist families of the victims

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: C
A multiple casualty event is one in which more than two but fewer than 100 individuals are involved. Until more is known, only staff expert in burn care need be asked for assistance. Only a mass casualty event with 100 or more individuals involved requires community or state involvement.