Over the next few weeks we will run a series of podcasts on Major incidents. Throughout the series Dr JP Loughrey talks through how the services prepare, what resources are available, some of the lessons learned from major incidents and communication and triage.

Top tips

• Communicate effectively, using a recognized framework for consistency (METHANE)
• Realistic Medicine is an accurate representation of what we should strive for, even in a Major Incident
• Practice, train, drill, tabletop - anything you can do to ensure you’ve looked at the plan and action cards and know the principles will help when the pressure (and stakes) are high.

Resources and links

Twitter handle @Jploughrey

Stephen pinker The better angels of our nature

https://stevenpinker.com/publications/better-angels-our-nature

EMRS app

https://www.emrsscotland.org/news/2015/5/14/emrs-app

Prometheus app

https://www.prometheusmedical.co.uk/news/prometheus-methane-app-now-free

OS locate app

https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/os-locate-faq/

JESSIP app

https://www.jesip.org.uk/jesip-app

National Ambulance Resilience Unit - Triage sieve

http://naru.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/NARU-TRIAGE-SIEVE-JU5A304D.pdf

NHS England - Clinical Guidelines for Major Incidents

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/clinical-guidelines-for-major-incidents-and-mass-casualty-events

Biography

JP is a Consultant in EM in the QEUH Glasgow, and Retrieval Medicine with EMRS in the West of Scotland, with a particular interest in major incidents, As the ScotSTAR lead for Major Incident planning he has been involved in several large-scale incidents and training exercises. He keeps himself exceedingly busy, between his working life and his energetic young family!