Major Incident Medical Training: A Systematic International Approach

Abstract

AbstractObjective To describe the development and evaluation of the Major Incident Medical Management and Support course (MIMMS) as a training programme for civilian and military communities. Methods MIMMS is predominantly interactive and practical, focusing on improving functional effectiveness at the scene. It incorporates a series of lectures, table-top exercises, critical message practice using radio, equipment workshops, and then learning on two simple and reproducible physiological triage techniques. There is a summative assessment of knowledge and skills on the second day. On the final day there is an opportunity to practise judgement as a commander in two exercises without casualties at local high-risk venues. Results The programme was established in the UK 1994. During the 9 years since its introduction, 3052 candidates have successfully completed the 3-day programme in 32 centres in a total of 17 countries. External evaluation of the effectiveness of the training performed in two successive courses in 1997 showed that all groups demonstrated a subjective improvement in their ability to command, use a radio and perform the triage, with improvement of practical skills most prominent among the doctors and nurses. All candidates strongly agreed that MIMMS was adequate training for their pre-hospital role. Conclusion MIMMS was identified as providing a level of training that is unfulfilled by many other local programmes, teaching a standard framework by which an individual can perform and by which others' actions can be assessed. Further evaluation as to whether the programme genuinely provides the knowledge and skill needed requires a framework for post-incident reporting based on international collaboration.KeywordsMajor AccidentsMedical ResponseTrainingMimms