Rapid Response To Mass Incidents And Disasters The Role Of Paramedics In Crisis Management

Abstract

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) and large-scale disasters represent defining challenges for health systems worldwide. Paramedics—as first-responders operating at the critical interface between the scene and the hospital—serve an indispensable function in crisis management. This paper examines the evolving role of paramedics in rapid response to mass incidents and disasters within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with specific reference to the Saudi Authority (SRCA), Vision 2030 health transformation goals, and national disaster preparedness frameworks. The paper explores scene command and triage systems, inter-agency coordination, advanced clinical skills, mass gathering medicine, and the psychosocial dimensions of paramedic practice during crises. Evidence-based recommendations are offered to strengthen paramedic capacity, institutional readiness, and policy alignment across the Saudi emergency healthcare ecosystem.