Stress reactions among participants in mass casualty simulations

Specific stress reactions have been observed in health care providers involved in disaster relief and mass casualty care. To determine whether similar stress reactions occurred in mass casualty simulations, we observed the participants in five large military mass casualty simulations. Using a framework of specific questions, descriptive data were obtained using direct observation and discussion with participants by faculty present to evaluate the exercise. Observations revealed that stress reactions occurred consistently during these mass casualty simulations, and these reactions resembled those seen in health care workers involved in actual mass casualty care. Application of this information to disaster medicine training for emergency physicians is discussed.