North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is the primary function of incident command at a mass casualty incident (MCI)?

1. Establish a direct line of communication

2. Control, direct, and coordinate the scene and resources

3. Provide medical treatment to victims

4. Secure the incident area for safety

The correct answer is: Control, direct, and coordinate the scene and resources

The primary function of incident command at a mass casualty incident (MCI) is to control, direct, and coordinate the scene and resources effectively. This involves overseeing the overall incident response, ensuring that the various emergency response teams are working together efficiently, and that resources are allocated appropriately for the needs at hand. In an MCI, the situation can rapidly evolve, and the number of casualties can overwhelm the local medical infrastructure. Incident command provides the necessary leadership to prioritize patient care, manage the logistics of rescue operations, and facilitate communication among the different agencies involved. This structure helps to streamline efforts, maximize the use of available resources, and ultimately improve outcomes for the victims. While establishing a direct line of communication, providing medical treatment, and securing the incident area are important tasks within the broader incident response, they fall under the larger umbrella of coordination and control that incident command is responsible for managing. Therefore, the essence of effective emergency management at an MCI hinges on the ability to control and direct all activities at the scene.