What does survival potential measure in a mass casualty event?

Survival potential in a mass casualty event focuses on evaluating the likelihood of a patient’s survival based on their condition and the resources available. This is critical in triage situations where there are many patients needing care but limited resources.

When assessing a patient's survival potential, healthcare providers consider factors such as the type and severity of injuries, the potential for recovery with available treatments, and the overall health status of the individual. Prioritizing patients with a better chance of survival allows healthcare teams to allocate resources effectively, aiming to maximize the number of lives saved during a crisis.

While factors like treatment costs, time required for care, and the severity of injuries are important considerations in healthcare delivery, they do not directly measure survival potential, which is strictly concerned with the likelihood of a positive outcome given the current circumstances.