Mass Casualties, Shootings, and the Role of the Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) can transpire through a multitude of mechanisms, the most common of which are mass shootings. These events result in several injuries and/or deaths and often strain or overwhelm available medical resources. Since the injuries that result from these incidents vary in type and severity, effective identification and triage is needed. Bystanders, first responders, ancillary medical staff, nurses, and physicians are integral in managing the victims, and efficient communication is required to provide timely and adequate medical care. From soft tissue injury and burns to facial trauma, the craniomaxillofacial surgeon is a crucial member of the team and their expertise is vital in triaging and in treating the injured. This review discusses triage, patterns of injury, and the role of craniomaxillofacial surgeons in MCIs.