When should the "Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)" protocol be activated?

The "Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)" protocol should be activated when there are more victims than available resources. This is crucial because MCIs can quickly overwhelm the standard emergency response capabilities, making it necessary to implement a coordinated approach to manage the situation effectively. The activation of the MCI protocol allows for a structured response that organizes resources, prioritizes care based on the severity of injuries, and ensures that victims receive timely medical attention despite the overwhelming circumstances.

In contrast, simply dispatching an ambulance does not indicate a mass casualty situation, nor does it require the MCI protocol. Assessing the scene for safety is important but comes into play after the decision to activate the MCI has been made in response to the number of victims. Routine emergency calls are handled within standard protocols and do not necessitate MCI activation unless specific criteria indicating a mass casualty are met. Thus, the correct response is centered on the concept of resource management in relation to the number of victims.