Why is surge capacity critical for hospitals?

Surge capacity is a crucial component of emergency management in hospitals, primarily because it refers to the ability of healthcare facilities to respond effectively to an influx of patients during emergencies. This could be due to various situations such as natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, or public health crises like pandemics. Being able to handle patient surges ensures that hospitals can provide necessary medical care and resources, which is vital for saving lives and improving health outcomes during critical times.

In scenarios where many patients require immediate attention, having a robust surge capacity means that hospitals can scale up their operations, mobilize staff, allocate medical supplies, and expand bed availability to manage the increased demand. This preparedness directly impacts the hospital’s ability to function effectively under pressure, thus safeguarding both individual patients’ health and community wellbeing during emergencies.