Development of a mass casualty management model for medical emergency teams. Mueang District Rescue Network, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to study mass casualty management model of emergency medical response teams in the
Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The study utilizes the PAOR framework by Kemmis and McTaggart. Participants composed of 100 EMS personnel from emergency medical teams in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The
study was conducted during January 2021 to December 2022, divided into three phases: (1) situational analysis using the
CSCATTT framework, (2) developing an operational plan using the PAOR model in 2 cycles, and (3) evaluation.
Instruments for qualitative data collection were the operational data recording form, the disaster management adherence
records, in-depth interview guideline, focus group discussions guideline, and summary report form for mass casualty
incident. Qualitative data were composed of knowledge of mass casualty management questionnaire, performance of mass
casualty management questionnaire, and satisfaction of mass casualty management model questionnaire. Qualitative data
was analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean, percentage,
standard deviation, and paired-sample t-tests to compare pre- and post-training knowledge. It was found that mass casualty
management of the participants did not adhere to the CSCATTT principles due to the lack of regular training among
emergency medical personnel. A MSK Disaster Management Model was developed to enhance the competencies of emergency
medical personnel, improving their efficiency in managing mass casualty incidents. Then, later on the model was modified to
increase efficiency by adding healthy relationship, health promotion and health prevention. The results of the MSKH Disaster
Management testing revealed that using MSKH mass casualty management model had increased in efficiency of mass casualty
management. The mean knowledge of mass casualty management scores of the participants after participated in the study was
significantly higher than before the study (24.36 and 18.40 respectively) (p<0.05). Overall performance score was over
80% at all team. The satisfaction level of using MSKH Disaster Management for operations were a high level.