A Hospital Plan for Mass Casualties in Egypt

Extract

Our hospital which was initially devoted to deal with specialized branches of medicine, was rapidly transformed into a purely military one when mass casualties of war needed care. The design of the hospital was therefore changed. Operating theaters were shifted to safe underground floors. Intensive care units were placed near the operating theaters, and a large reception-identification area was prepared to receive victims brought by ambulance or helicopter. Quick-sorting of casualties according to priorities was dealt with in the reception area.

(1) Immediate group: This was dealt with on the spot by quick resuscitation measures. (2) Urgent group: These were immediately taken to the intensive care units or to the operating theaters. (3) Expectant group: These were taken to the wards.