Emergency Preparedness Aspects of DCR for Civilian Mass Casualty Scenarios

Abstract

Damage control resuscitation (DCR) and remote damage control resuscitation (RDCR) are key components of effective modern trauma resuscitation. Traumatic Mass Casualty Incidents (T-MCI) create unique operational and clinical challenges for effective implementation of the core tenants of DCR principles. Proper readiness and response requires a whole of community approach to the challenges based on tiered application of the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) guidelines in the prehospital, first receiver facility, and trauma center environments. Mitigation, preparedness, and planning activities are critical to ensuring robust blood product availability, comprehensive patient distribution protocols, and continuity of operations plans.