An Internet-based bar code tracking system: coordination of confusion at mass casualty incidents.

The alpha test of the EPTS system has demonstrated that it is possible to coordinate efforts and reduce the confusion of MCIs. A carefully planned communication system is essential to rapidly categorize victims, coordinate and track the transportation of victims, manage EMS resources, and allow hospitals to build on the initial information. Having real-time data, the IC can allocate advanced life support, basic life support, or buses, and hospitals can plan their response on the basis of accurate estimates of victims and their conditions. Health and welfare inquiries can interact with public health and acute care facilities more efficiently and accurately. Most important, mass casualty victims are spared additional chaos because they are cared for within a coordinated, integrated system.