MCI Drill Focuses on Command, Triage and Patient Transport

Vista, N.Y. — October 13, 2026 — The Vista Fire Department focused its Monday night drill on Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) operations, reviewing response procedures with fire and EMS personnel.

A Mass Casualty Incident occurs when the number of patients may exceed the resources normally available to manage an emergency. These incidents require an organized response and may involve support from multiple agencies.

During the drill, members reviewed how the department would manage an MCI from initial arrival through patient treatment and transportation. Topics included scene size-up, establishing the Incident Command System, requesting additional resources, communications, patient triage, treatment areas, patient tracking, and coordinating transport to area hospitals.

Fire and EMS personnel also reviewed how their roles work together during these incidents. Firefighters may assist with scene safety, patient access, extrication, and moving patients, while EMS personnel focus on triage, treatment, and coordinating transportation.

The department noted that MCIs require clear communication and coordination among Fire, EMS, law enforcement, and neighboring emergency service agencies. The training helped members review the procedures needed to establish an organized response to a large-scale emergency.