Examples of Two Categories of Mass Casualty Event (MCE)

Figure 1.1. Immediate (Sudden Peak) Impact

Explosions, Airplane or Train Crashes Due to Bombings (e.g., Madrid Train Bombings), Earthquakes

Line graph shows that number of patients following an immediate impact MCE begins high, then decreases sharply over time.

Figure 1.2. Developing (Sustained) Impact

Anthrax, Smallpox, Flu Pandemic

Line graph shows that number of patients following a developing impact MCE begins low, rises sharply into a peak, then decreases over time.

Return to Document