When mass casualties are possible, what must crews prioritize?

When mass casualties are possible, prioritizing triage activities is essential because it allows emergency responders to assess the severity of injuries among victims quickly and efficiently. This systematic evaluation helps in determining which individuals require immediate medical attention and which can wait, ensuring that the most critical cases receive care first. Triage is fundamental in a mass casualty situation because resources such as personnel and medical supplies are often limited; thus, making informed decisions based on the urgency of each situation maximizes the chances of saving lives.

By focusing on triage, crews can also coordinate follow-up rescue missions effectively and allocate resources where they are needed most. This approach ensures that actions taken later, such as fire suppression or evacuations, are informed by a clear understanding of the victims' status and needs. In summary, the prioritization of triage activities streamlines response efforts during mass casualty incidents and is vital for effective emergency management.