Management of mass killing incidents: Results of a nationwide evaluation by the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance—Part 1: prehospital management

Abstract

Background and methods: Terrorist attacks and rampages are extremely challenging situations for police and rescue forces. With the aim to define the lessons learned from the latest terrorist attacks in Germany and neighbouring European countries, the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance conducted a nationwide multilevel evaluation on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Ministry of Health. In close collaboration with all organisations and institutions directly involved in the management of terrorist attacks or rampages, a number of conferences with thematic priorities were held in order to formulate conclusions and recommendations. The results of the conference „prehospital casualty care“ are presented in this publication. Results: Essential for the successful management of life-threatening mass casualty incidents is a well-trained concept for conventional mass casualty incidents. Specific conditions of rescue missions for terrorist attacks or rampages must be identified and the tactic consequences should complete the existing concepts. The specific conditions and the resulting consequences are described in the result section of this publication. Conclusion: The presented lessons learned are the results of a nationwide evaluation process conducted by the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. It is seen as an expert opinion and might be of interest for all organizations and institutions dealing with the management of terrorist attacks or other life-threatening rescue missions.