Managing the Major Incident course for GPs

This session considers the immediate actions required at a major incident. It will outline the recommended algorithm to be used to call for assistance and the initial type of triage required at a major incident. It assumes your usual role is that of a primary care practitioner. This session was reviewed by Matthew Castleden and last updated on 24/04/13.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe an approach to managing a major incident, such as a coach accident in an isolated rural location
• Explain the mechanism of requesting assistance at a major incident
• Assess the categories of the triage sieve used at a major incident
• List recommended treatments for managing casualties at major incidents

While GPs and other health professionals are highly skilled in the management of individual patients, a different approach needs to be taken when large numbers of patients are either ill or injured.