Managing mass casualty events is just the application of normal activity on a grander scale for the emergency health services. Or is it?

Recent world events, such as 9/11 1-6 have increased our awareness for the need to prepare for large scale disasters and the potential for mass casualties. 7-8 Disasters, whether they are caused by natural events, infectious diseases, technological catastrophes or terrorist incidents have been increasing around the world and more and more people continue to be affected. 9-12 This paper will discuss the management of mass casualty events and consider whether the response generated is the same as normal activity but on a larger scale with a particular emphasis on emergency health services and the emergency department.