What is a "mass casualty incident" in the context of HAZMAT?

A "mass casualty incident" in the context of HAZMAT refers specifically to an event that results in multiple casualties due to exposure to hazardous materials. This definition underlines the severity of the situation, emphasizing that such incidents typically involve a significant number of individuals affected, often requiring extensive resources and coordinated emergency response efforts.

In these types of incidents, the potential impact on public health and safety is considerable, demanding prompt action from emergency services to effectively manage the situation. The classification as a mass casualty incident signifies the need for a well-organized triage system, activation of additional resources, and potentially the involvement of multiple agencies to address the scale and complexity of the emergency.