Objectives: To assess the mass casualty incident (MCI) preparedness of pre-hospital care providers in Saudi Arabia and to identify and highlight their strengths and weaknesses when responding to MCIs. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted between January 2017 and 2018 and included all Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) general administration branches in 13 regions in Saudi Arabia. The modified version of the emergency medical specialists (EMS) incident response and readiness assessment (EIRRA) tool was used in this study. Results: The Makkah region has the largest number of ambulances and medics vehicles, followed by Riyadh. Makkah and Al Madinah Al Munawarah obtained a median score of 4 and showed substantial preparedness for MCIs. However, Al Madinah Al Munawarah showed higher level of MCI preparedness than Makkah, and a significant difference was found (p=0.019). By contrast, Riyadh and the Eastern region showed limited MCI preparedness. In addition, a moderate positive correlation was observed between the overall median scores and the number of physicians (r=0.656 and p=0.015). Conclusion: The SRCA showed substantial preparedness in Makkah and Al Madinah Al Munawarah. The SRCA were highly prepared to face MCIs.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.