What is the main role of a medic during a mass casualty situation?

In a mass casualty situation, the primary role of a medic is to triage patients and provide immediate care to those most in need. This involves quickly assessing multiple patients to determine the severity of their injuries and prioritizing treatment based on the urgency of their condition. Triage ensures that those who require immediate attention receive it first, which can significantly improve survival rates and outcomes in chaotic situations where resources and time are limited.

While transporting patients to the hospital is an important function, in the initial stages of a mass casualty event, medics must focus on identifying and treating critical patients on-site. Contacting emergency services may be essential, but it is typically part of a broader coordination effort that may be handled by designated personnel rather than medics on the ground. Psychological support is also crucial, but it usually comes after immediate medical needs have been addressed. Thus, triage and immediate care take precedence in the medic's role during such emergencies.