How many patients are indicated for a Level 5 activation in a multiple-casualty incident?

In the context of a multiple-casualty incident, a Level 5 activation is typically indicated for scenarios involving a significant number of casualties that exceed 1,000 patients. This level of activation requires extensive resources and coordination, as the situation is likely to overwhelm the local medical and emergency services.

The activation levels are structured to ensure that the response is appropriate for the scale of the incident. A Level 5 designation reflects a catastrophic event, such as a large-scale disaster or severe public health emergency, where immediate and robust support is vital to manage the overwhelming number of patients effectively. Each level below it corresponds to fewer patients, thereby requiring less intensive resource deployment. Understanding these categories helps ensure appropriate resource allocation and operational readiness in emergency management.