MASS CASUALTY EVENT PREPAREDNESS AND ANESTHESIA MANAGEMENT IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Mass casualty events whether natural disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics or large-scale accidents overwhelm healthcare systems, emergency departments and ICUs in minutes. High acuity situations require rapid coordination, strategic resource allocation and seamless inter-disciplinary collaboration. Anesthesiologists are uniquely positioned to play a central role in all phases of the response due to their expertise in airway management, hemodynamic stabilization, pharmacologic sedation and critical care. Their role extends beyond the OR to initial triage, emergency procedural support and ongoing management of ventilated and critically ill patients in the ICU. This article reviews current evidence and operational best practices to examine the role of anesthesiology in mass casualty events preparedness and response. Key areas of focus include disaster planning, ventilator triage, crisis standards of care, sedation protocols and ICU surge capacity. By highlighting the clinical, operational and ethical aspects of anesthesia management in mass casualty events, this article synthesizes current literature and best practices, emphasizing the anesthesiologists’ role in preparedness, immediate response and postoperative care during mass casualty events.