In response to a bombing at a mall and a surge of injuries, what is most important for the hospital to implement immediately?

• A. Reach out to all available staff and ask them to come into work immediately
• B. Call city officials to coordinate evacuation
• C. Wait for casualty assessment before calling staff
• D. Post updates on social media

Answer: (A)

When a mass casualty event hits, the most urgent need is to rapidly expand the hospital’s ability to care for patients. That means activating the disaster response and getting enough trained personnel on site to triage, stabilize, and treat the surge of injured people. Reaching out to all available staff to come in immediately directly increases the number of caregivers and support staff, enabling faster assessment and care as patients arrive.

Waiting for a casualty assessment before calling staff delays lifesaving actions, and while coordinating evacuation with city officials may be necessary in some scenarios, it isn’t the immediate priority when the hospital is facing a sudden influx of injuries. Posting updates on social media won’t impact patient care right now. Focusing on quickly mobilizing staff aligns with managing surge capacity and keeping patients alive and stable.