Assessing the Preparedness of the trauma referral hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in mass casualties in traffic accidents in 2022
Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention),
Vol. 12 No. 2 (1403),
16 September 2025
,
Page 82 - 72
https://doi.org/10.22037/iipm.v12i2.40944
Abstract
Background and Aim: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) significantly contribute to global morbidity and mortality, especially in
developing countries. Hospitals are crucial in responding to road traffic injuries and in reducing the number of disabilities and
fatalities associated with these incidents. This study assessed the preparedness of the selected Mazandaran hospitals for mass
casualties resulted from RTAs.
Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on seven hospitals in Mazandaran province in 2022. Following
informed consent from all participants, a valid and reliable tool for assessing hospital preparedness in RTIs was utilized for
data collection (Kappa coefficient = 0.89; CVR: 0.98; CVI: 0.97). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, categorizing
the level of hospital preparedness into three categories: weak (less than 34%), moderate (34–66%), and high (more than 66%).
Results: The preparedness level of the selected hospitals was found to be good, with an overall score of 80.76%. The average
preparedness scores across various dimensions were as follows: command and control (80.95%), infrastructure, medical equipment,
and supplies (85.71%), communication and information systems (83.92%), surge capacity (90.47%), triage and medical
services (80.21%), safety and security (71.42%), human resources (80.95%), and coordination (71.42%). Notably, only in the
dimension of training and exercises did the hospitals demonstrate moderate preparedness, with an average readiness score of
51.42%.
Conclusion: The preparedness level of hospitals in Mazandaran Province was estimated to be relatively good. Considering the
high rate of RTA in Iran and the necessity for hospitals to be prepared for mass casualty incidents, it is recommended to enhance
the quality of trauma centers and referral trauma hospitals. This can be achieved through planning, resource allocation, training,
public awareness campaigns, and coordination among all relevant organizations, including the Emergency Medical Services,
police, and Ministry of Roads.
Please cite this article as:
Masoudi Sani N, Sohrabizadeh S, Palesh M. Assessing the Preparedness of the trauma referral hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran
University of Medical Sciences in mass casualties in traffic accidents in 2022. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat. 2024: Vol
12: No 2: 72- 82. https://doi.org/10.22037/iipm.v1403i12.40944
- Road traffic accidents؛ Preparedness of hospitals؛mass casualties› injuries
How to Cite
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