Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Prognostic Indicators in Heart Failure - The Role of Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Published on: June 30, 2023
Factors associated with ED length of stay during a mass casualty incident
Shou-Yen Chen1, Chung-Hsien Chaou1, Chip-Jin Ng1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Background:
The aim of this study was to examine the factors associated with emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) using the patient registry data from a medical burns center during a burn injury mass casualty incident (MCI) after a dust explosion in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Methods:
This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at an urban, tertiary care teaching hospital during an MCI event that occurred on June 27, 2015. A celebratory party was held at the Formosa Fun Water Park in New Taipei City, Taiwan. At 20:32, the was an explosion caused by an overheated spotlight accidentally igniting colored cornstarch powder that had been sprayed on the stage. Factors associated with ED LOS were compared.
Results:
In total, 48 burn injury patients were enrolled for study analysis. The median total body surface area of second- to third-degree burns was 35.0% (interquartile range [IQR], 15.8%-55.0%). The median ED LOS was 121.5 minutes (IQR, 38.3-209.8 minutes). The output time interval accounted for the longest interval with a median time of 56.0 minutes (IQR, 15.3-117.3 minutes). In multivariate analysis of the variables, triage level (level III; hazard ratio, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.52) and output time (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-0.98) were significant influential factors.
Conclusions:
The triage level and output time intervals were significantly associated with ED LOS in a burn-related MCI. Time effectiveness analyses, using a patient flow model, might serve as an important indicator during a hospital MCI response.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Bystander Effect
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...

