Health care and high-risk populations include facilities with occupants who oftentimes are unable to assist themselves. Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, penal institutions, and schools include elderly, young, sick, and incarcerated populations. These groups will require special attention when a fire or emergency occurs. Since their occupants are so diverse, specific preplans will be needed to ensure that all facets are considered and addressed when you are called to an incident. Additionally, responding to a mass casualty incident will tax every response agency. There will be a need for timely and appropriate care to minimize injuries and deliver the injured to medical facilities for continued professional treatment. Active shooter incidents, though initially a police activity, will usually involve firefighters in the operation.

What considerations will firefighters need to contemplate when deciding whether to evacuate patients or protect them in place at a hospital ?