North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Who is responsible for starting the triage process at an MCI?

1. The first EMS professional on scene

2. The incident commander

3. The paramedic with highest certification

4. The senior officer in charge

The correct answer is: The first EMS professional on scene

The triage process at a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) is initiated by the first EMS professional who arrives on the scene. This individual plays a critical role in quickly assessing the situation and determining the priority of care for victims based on the severity of their injuries. The timely and efficient identification of patients who require immediate medical attention is crucial in MCI scenarios where resources may be limited, and the volume of patients is high. This approach allows for a systematic assessment and allocation of medical resources to ensure that those in most need receive care as quickly as possible, ultimately improving outcomes in such dire situations. It’s important to note that while other roles, such as the incident commander or senior officers, may influence the overall incident management and resource deployment, the first responder’s actions are foundational in launching the triage process effectively.