<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Background: The current study outlines some of the main particularities of both real and simulated mass casualty incidents (MCI) and disasters in Romania as reported by medical and paramedical participating personnel. Methods: A non-profit organization in Romania trained 1250 doctors, nurses and paramedics for proper MCI interventions through a dedicated programme for the last part of the year 2013. Half a year later, an email with a unique link to an online questionnaire was sent to each participant to assess their opinion over the participation in real or already simulated MCI or disasters. The questionnaire consisted of 25 specific topics, out of which only a fraction were considered for the current study. Results: Out of all participants, 145 doctors, 184 nurses and 115 paramedics provided valid answers, totaling 444 responders. Most participants were satisfied with the information about the location and type of the incident they would respond to. The amplitude of a given event is generally well anticipated under simulation conditions as compared to real events, where the amplitude tends to be higher rather than lower than expected (p=0.0082). About three quarters of participants under real or simulated events repeated or demanded repeating the information trafficked through mobile radios, almost a quarter misinterpreted the information, and almost a half reported delayed operations due to miscommunication. Conclusions: Simulations are a proper method of communication evaluation for mass casualty incidents and disasters, which can also stress the common communication issues encountered during a real MCI unfolding.</p></abstract>

Background: The current study outlines some of the main particularities of both real and simulated mass casualty incidents (MCI) and disasters in Romania as reported by medical and paramedical participating personnel. Methods: A non-profit organization in Romania trained 1250 doctors, nurses and paramedics for proper MCI interventions through a dedicated programme for the last part of the year 2013. Half a year later, an email with a unique link to an online questionnaire was sent to each participant to assess their opinion over the participation in real or already simulated MCI or disasters. The questionnaire consisted of 25 specific topics, out of which only a fraction were considered for the current study. Results: Out of all participants, 145 doctors, 184 nurses and 115 paramedics provided valid answers, totaling 444 responders. Most participants were satisfied with the information about the location and type of the incident they would respond to. The amplitude of a given event is generally well anticipated under simulation conditions as compared to real events, where the amplitude tends to be higher rather than lower than expected (p=0.0082). About three quarters of participants under real or simulated events repeated or demanded repeating the information trafficked through mobile radios, almost a quarter misinterpreted the information, and almost a half reported delayed operations due to miscommunication. Conclusions: Simulations are a proper method of communication evaluation for mass casualty incidents and disasters, which can also stress the common communication issues encountered during a real MCI unfolding.

Mass Casualty Incidents and Disaster Participation in Real versus Simulated Events in Romania

University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tirgu Mures, Tirgu Mures, Romania

Acta Marisiensis - Seria Medica

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Background: The current study outlines some of the main particularities of both real and simulated mass casualty incidents (MCI) and disasters in Romania as...

Mass Casualty Incidents and Disaster Participation in Real versus Simulated Events in Romania

Published Online: Feb 09, 2016

Page range: 15 - 20

Received: Sep 01, 2015

Accepted: Oct 24, 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/amma-2015-0092

Keywords
mass casualty incidents, MCI, disasters, simulation, Romania

© by Adrian Stănescu

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Mass Casualty Incidents and Disaster Participation in Real versus Simulated Events in Romania

Published Online: Feb 09, 2016

Page range: 15 - 20

Received: Sep 01, 2015

Accepted: Oct 24, 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/amma-2015-0092

Keywordsmass casualty incidents, MCI, disasters, simulation, Romania

© by Adrian Stănescu

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Keywords
mass casualty incidents, MCI, disasters, simulation, Romania