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Webinar Summary: Mass Casualty Incidents – A Rural Hospital’s Response

Presented by Will Booker, PA-C, Director of Advanced Practice Providers, SouthlandMD

SouthlandMD’s Director of Advanced Practice Provider (APP), Will Booker, PA-C, recently presented an educational webinar (available onsite or through Hometown Health University) series addressing how rural hospitals can prepare for and respond to Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) high-impact events that overwhelm local medical resources in a short period of time. Drawing from his 20-year career in Emergency Medicine, military service as a combat medic, and his decade of service with SouthlandMD, Booker provided practical, actionable guidance tailored specifically for rural facilities.

The session emphasized that MCIs can happen anywhere, not just in large cities, and rural hospitals must be ready despite limited staff, resources, and long transport times. Booker outlined the foundational components of readiness, including the importance of reviewing and updating the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), coordinating closely with local EMS and community officials, and conducting regular drills to strengthen real-world response capabilities.

Key themes from the webinar included:

  • Understanding MCIs and the myths surrounding them, particularly the misconception that they only occur in urban areas.
  • The critical elements of an effective EOP, including communication, staffing roles, safety protocols, and supply management.
  • How to develop and activate an Emergency Department Surge Plan, using the “4 S’s” — Space, Staff, Stuff, and Systems — to expand capacity quickly.
  • Best practices for triage, including an overview of the nationally endorsed SALT protocol (Sort, Assess, Life-Saving Interventions, Treatment/Transport).
  • The importance of strong regional relationships, resource sharing, and communication pathways, especially when transfers or normal systems fail.

The webinar reinforced SouthlandMD’s commitment to supporting rural hospitals through provider education, readiness planning, and operational leadership. Booker’s expertise provided hospitals with practical tools and confidence to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve patient outcomes when it matters most.

 

To request a training session at your hospital, please email us.

To download the educational webinar flyer, please click here.