What is the minimum number of patients to trigger the use of an Agency-approved MCI multi-patient tracking tool?

The minimum number of patients required to trigger the use of an Agency-approved Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) multi-patient tracking tool is five or more patients. This threshold is established to ensure that an effective and organized approach to patient tracking and management is implemented during mass casualty situations. When the number of patients exceeds this threshold, it indicates a need for a systematic process to manage care, resources, and communication effectively among healthcare providers and agencies involved in the response.

Having a structured tracking tool becomes essential in incidents with multiple patients to maintain accurate records of each individual's condition, allocation of resources, and coordination among various teams. This protocol is crucial for ensuring timely interventions and streamlining operations. In situations with fewer than five patients, the complexity and demand for such detailed tracking decrease, making it more manageable without a specialized tool.