What is the main responsibility of an Incident Commander in a mass casualty incident?

The main responsibility of an Incident Commander in a mass casualty incident is to oversee the emergency response. This role involves coordinating the various components of the response to ensure that all actions are organized, efficient, and effective. The Incident Commander is tasked with establishing the protocol for the incident, directing resources, and ensuring communication among different teams and agencies involved in the response.

In a mass casualty situation, where multiple patients may require urgent care, the Incident Commander will prioritize tasks, allocate personnel, and manage the overall operational structure of the response. This comprehensive oversight is critical to effectively manage the complexities and dynamic nature of such incidents, ensuring that all responders work collaboratively towards the common goal of saving lives and minimizing harm.

While leading the medical team, transporting patients, and collecting data are important tasks, they typically fall under the purview of other specific roles or teams within the broader response framework, rather than the overarching responsibility of the Incident Commander.