What is the activation level indicating 5-10 patients in a multiple-casualty incident (MCI)?

In a multiple-casualty incident (MCI), the activation level that indicates the presence of 5-10 patients is referred to as Level 1. This level corresponds to a situation where the response framework has not yet been fully engaged but recognizes the need for additional resources beyond the regular response capabilities.

At this level, first responders can begin to assess the situation, perform triage, manage immediate life threats, and request additional support as necessary. Understanding this level of activation is crucial for ensuring that the appropriate medical response is mobilized efficiently, helping to maintain an organized approach in potentially chaotic situations involving multiple patients.

In contrast, higher activation levels typically represent an increase in the number of patients requiring care, necessitating a more extensive deployment of resources and potentially broader system activation for triage and treatment.