Table of Contents

Working group vii Contributors to first edition viii Preface to the second edition ix Preface to the first edition x Contact details and further information xi How to use your textbook xii PART 1: Introduction 1 1 The epidemiology and incidence of major incidents 3 2 Are we ready for the next major incident? 11 3 The structured approach to the hospital response 15 PART 2: Preparation 21 4 Planning for major incidents 23 5 Major incident equipment 27 6 Training 33 PART 3: Management 37 7 The scaleable hierarchy concept 39 8 The clinical hierarchy 43 9 The nursing hierarchy 55 10 The management hierarchy 65 PART 4: Support 79 11 Declaring a major incident and activating the plan 81 12 The reception phase 87 13 Triage 97 14 The definitive care phase 107 15 The recovery phase 111 PART 5: Special incidents 115 16 Incidents involving hazardous chemicals 117 17 Incidents involving a large number of burns 129 18 Incidents involving large numbers of children 139 Template annexe of local highlights 149 Glossary 159 Index 161

About the Author

The Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG), Manchester UK, began life in 1990 and became a registered medical education charity in 1993. The organisation exists to "preserve life by providing training and education to the general public and in particular but not exclusively to doctors, nurses and other members of the medical profession, in life saving techniques". The book is written and edited by Emergency Medicine specialists who are Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG) trainers.