How should EMDs prioritize calls during a mass casualty incident?

Prioritizing calls during a mass casualty incident by the severity of injuries is essential for ensuring that the most critically injured individuals receive timely medical attention. In such scenarios, numerous patients may present with varying levels of urgency, and the EMD's primary responsibility is to facilitate care for those who are most at risk of dying or experiencing significant morbidity if not treated immediately. This approach follows the principles of triage, which is a system used to categorize patients based on the urgency of their medical needs.

The other methods of prioritization listed do not align with the goal of effective emergency response. Sorting by the time of the call does not account for the varying levels of patient acuity among the callers. Focusing on the disposition of the caller may overlook immediate medical needs, as some callers may not be the ones needing help. Using alphabetical order ignores the critical nature of the situation and could lead to delays in care for those in greater need. Therefore, prioritizing by the severity of injuries is the most appropriate and effective strategy during mass casualty incidents.