Management Surge Capacity and Capability: A Management System for Integrating Medical and Health Resources During Large-Scale Emergencies

摘要

Medical and health systems in the United States face the increasing probability of major emergencies or disasters involving human casualties. Such events will severely challenge the ability of healthcare systems to adequately care for large numbers of patients (surge capacity) and/or victims with unusual or highly specialized medical needs (surge capability). The first step in addressing medical surge is to implement management systems that establish a methodology for managing medical and health response, as well as the development and maintenance of preparedness programs. The Medical Surge Capacity and Capability (MSCC) Management System describes a management methodology based on valid principles of emergency management and the Incident Management System (IMS). Medical and health disciplines may apply these principles to coordinate effectively with one another, and to integrate with other response organizations that have established IMS and emergency management systems (fire service, law enforcement, etc.).