What type of incident requires the activation of a mass casualty incident (MCI) plan?

The activation of a mass casualty incident (MCI) plan is specifically designed for situations where there is a significant number of injured individuals who require immediate medical attention. In such scenarios, the healthcare system and emergency services may become overwhelmed, necessitating a coordinated and strategic response to effectively manage the influx of patients. An MCI usually entails a large number of casualties, where standard responses may be inadequate, and specialized protocols must be implemented to ensure optimal care and resource allocation.

In contrast, incidents that involve fewer injuries, those focused on property damage, or situations that are limited to a single location typically do not meet the threshold for an MCI. These scenarios can generally be handled through standard response protocols and do not require the extensive mobilization of resources that an MCI entails.