Major Incidents

This unit focuses on the theory and practice of major incident management and recovery and provides students with the opportunity to apply and integrate knowledge and skills gained from earlier years. Students will work autonomously and in teams to research, plan and execute several simulated incidents culminating in a major incident event. The theoretical component of the unit will cover the history of major incidents, principles of major incident planning, preparation, response and recovery. The roles, responsibilities and communications of emergency services and the sociological and psychological impacts of major incidents, including epidemics, pandemics, terrorism/bioterrorism and natural disasters involving major incidents is also considered. The focus is primarily on the prehospital emergency medicine response to a major incident and the interaction of paramedics with other emergency staff and support agencies.