While I was editing the current Instructor Guide I thought back at my own various exposures to MCI events over the course of my experience beginning in the mid-70s as a young ski patroller at one of the first half dozen major US ski lift accidents. I have worked in both ski patrol and EMS since 1973.
I recall that first incident with feelings of sheer panic. I was 18 years old and assigned to gather and deliver equipment to the scene where a dozen skiers were injured and more trapped. My role was clear and within my capability, a quite necessary role. Nonetheless, I was left with a feeling of inadequacy and achievement. Reflect on that for a moment!
Since then, I have attended training for large scale MCIs—airplane crashes, shootings, bus accidents, hazmat incidents, and more. All these exercises were chaotic events, each a learning experience. Even when the outcome is positive, the event is frenzied.
These are the “Dress Rehearsals.” I have been involved in real-life, smaller-scale MCIs—multiple vehicle accidents, bus accidents, chemical spills, a nursing home fire, and a small explosion. The results continue to be controlled chaos with productive outcomes.
The thought of a major event still leaves me with a feeling of trepidation. The point was and is, even in an exercise, expect the chaos, expect the trepidation. It is going to happen!
