Which type of incident would most likely require the implementation of a mass casualty protocol?

The implementation of a mass casualty protocol is typically triggered by incidents that involve a large number of individuals who are injured and require medical attention simultaneously. In the case of a major vehicle accident with multiple injured individuals, the situation is likely to overwhelm the local emergency services and resources, necessitating a coordinated response to ensure that all patients receive the necessary care in a timely manner.

In such scenarios, a mass casualty protocol helps prioritize treatment based on the severity of injuries, effectively mobilizes additional resources, and ensures that the flow of patients to medical facilities is managed properly. It also allows for the establishment of triage systems where patients are categorized based on the urgency of their medical needs, ensuring that those who are most critically injured receive treatment first.

In contrast, situations involving a single patient experiencing chest pain, a minor laceration, or a domestic dispute with no injuries do not present the same level of demand on emergency services and resources. These incidents can typically be managed through standard emergency protocols without the need for extensive coordination or the allocation of mass casualty resources.