The HRMMST is trained in Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response and follows the guidelines set forth in the Hampton Roads Mass Casualty Incident Response Guide. In a declared MCI, the HRMMST is capable of providing resources to supplement and the response of the local jurisdiction. For large, complex incidents, the HRMMST is capable of staffing and equipping the Medical Branch to perform the functions of triage, treatment, transportation, and morgue operations.
HRMMST members are trained in S.T.A.R.T and JumpS.T.A.R.T. triage, using medical equipment to address life threats, such airway management and hemorrhage control (using tourniquets and hemostatic products like Quick Clot). The HRMMST has uniquely packaged medical equipment and supplies to support patient treatment in Immediate (red),
Delayed (yellow), and Minimal (green) Treatment Areas. For example, the HRMMST designed a “Patient Self-Care Kit” for those victims with minor injuries. This allows victims
to engage in self-care until sufficient manpower arrives. The HRMMST equipment cache can be supplemented by one or more of the 11 Disaster Medical Support Units (DMSU) sustained by HRMMRS, as each DMSU carries the same medical equipment. TO support patient/victim transportation, the HRMMST will usually respond with four of the 10 Mass Casualty/Evacuation Transport Units (MCI buses) located throughout the Hampton Roads region.
Use of the Mass Casualty/Evacuation Transport Units (MCI buses) allows for the transportation of 70 stretcher victims and another 40 seated victims to area hospitals. The HRMMST
is also trained and equipped to assist the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office and local law enforcement with morgue operations, decontamination of the deceased and/or the recovery of remains.
The HRMMST is also capable of providing patient movement coordination and assistance in three distinct patient movement categories:
- Physical patient movement – the MMST will use equipment and manpower to relocate patients to a treatment area or to transportation assets as directed by the Medical Branch Director.
- Coordination of patient movement – the MMST and the Regional Healthcare Coordinating Center (RHCC) will develop a transportation plan that will distribute patients from the scene to the appropriate health care facilities throughout the region by incorporating a variety of transportation assets.
- National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) – Patient Reception Area (PRA) – the MMST in coordination with the Federal Coordinating Center (FCC) will assist with PRA operations, which includes; triage, treatment, physical patient movement, and coordination of patient movement with the FCC and RHCC.
