TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Management of multi-casualty incidents in mountain rescue: evidence-based guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM)
JO  - High altitude medicine and biology
A1  - Blancher, Marc
A1  - Albasini, François
A1  - Elsensohn, Fidel
A1  - Zafren, Ken
A1  - Hölzl, Natalie
A1  - McLaughlin, Kyle
A1  - Wheeler, Albert R.
A1  - Roy, Steven
A1  - Brugger, Hermann
A1  - Greene, Mike
A1  - Paal, Peter
SP  - 131
EP  - 140
VL  - 19
IS  - 2
N2  - INTRODUCTION: Multi-Casualty Incidents (MCI) occur in mountain areas. Little is known about the incidence and character of such events, and the kind of rescue response. Therefore, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) set out to provide recommendations for the management of MCI in mountain areas. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Details of MCI occurring in mountain areas related to mountaineering activities and involving organized mountain rescue were collected. A literature search using (1) PubMed, (2) national mountain rescue registries, and (3) lay press articles on the internet was performed. The results were analyzed with respect to specific aspects of mountain rescue. <br><br>RESULTS: We identified 198 MCIs that have occurred in mountain areas since 1956: 137 avalanches, 38 ski lift accidents, and 23 other events, including lightning injuries, landslides, volcanic eruptions, lost groups of people, and water-related accidents. <br><br>DISCUSSION: General knowledge on MCI management is required. Due to specific aspects of triage and management, the approach to MCIs may differ between those in mountain areas and those in urban settings. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Mountain rescue teams should be prepared to manage MCIs. Knowledge should be reviewed and training performed regularly. Cooperation between terrestrial rescue services, avalanche safety authorities, and helicopter crews is critical to successful management of MCIs in mountain areas.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1527-0297
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/ham.2017.0143
ID  - ref1
ER  -