What is the role of an EMT during a mass casualty incident?

In a mass casualty incident, the primary responsibility of an EMT is to triage patients. Triage is the process of assessing the severity of injuries and classifying patients based on their medical needs and urgency for treatment. This helps prioritize care, ensuring that those with the most critical conditions receive immediate medical attention while more stable patients are cared for appropriately. Effective triage is vital in a mass casualty situation, as resources may be limited, and timely intervention can significantly impact outcomes for those affected.

While providing emotional support to victims and families is important and can be part of an EMT's role, it is not the primary function during a mass casualty situation, where the focus must be on rapid assessment and intervention. Assisting in the clean-up of the incident scene and overseeing transportation logistics are also significant aspects of incident management, but they are typically assigned to different roles or personnel trained specifically for those tasks. In this context, the triage process is essential for optimal patient care and resource management during such critical events.