How are destination decisions made in an MCI?

• A. Distances to hospital
• B. Random selection
• C. Based on severity of injuries and available resources
• D. Patient preferences

Answer: (C)

In a mass casualty incident, where the goal is to save the most lives with limited resources, destination decisions are guided by triage and the status of hospitals. Responders assign patients to facilities based on the level of care they need and what the hospital can provide at that moment. Life-threatening injuries are directed to facilities equipped for immediate, definitive care (for example, trauma centers), burns to burn centers, and pediatric patients to hospitals with pediatric capabilities. If a hospital is at or near capacity or lacks a needed service, patients may be redirected to another facility that can meet their needs. This approach prioritizes overall outcomes rather than individual preferences or simply choosing the closest hospital; transport time is considered, but it is weighed against the ability to deliver appropriate care quickly.