During a mass casualty incident (MCI), activating resources for response and equitable patient distribution is paramount. The Regional Hospital Coordination Center (RHCC) of a large US city lacked an objective tool readily available to manage patient distribution to area hospitals during an MCI. In a hospital-rich community, spreading the patient distribution throughout the region decreases the impact to one hospital. A tool was needed to equitably distribute patients across the healthcare system without added burden or demand to the hospitals nearest the MCI.

This tool was developed using Excel and regional hospital capability information including trauma or burn center status, pediatric designation, etc. These capabilities and geographic distances from the MCI were the driving factors of the tool development.

The city has several high-visibility, large event locations. These locations were added into the tool and can be selected as MCI origin points. From here, the tool organizes hospitals by distance from the designated point. Since the formulas were programmed into the tool, it can be easily and quickly adapted to any MCI in the area and reflect relevant resources and limitations.

Equitable patient distribution to area hospitals during an MCI is a best practice. Advance preparation is key to ensuring quick response and effective utilization of resources. Having a custom tool pre-programmed with relevant, regional hospital capabilities expedited this process and streamlined patient distribution efforts and, ultimately, improved emergency care coordination and patient outcomes.

During a Mass Casualty Incident, distributing patients equitably across the healthcare system without added burden to the hospitals nearest the event is critical. Having a custom tool pre-programmed with regional hospital capabilities expedites and streamlines patient distribution efforts, ultimately improving emergency care coordination and patient outcomes.