What is the term for the cooperative management effort at a mass-casualty incident involving multiple departments?

The term "Unified command" is used to describe a structured framework for managing a mass-casualty incident that brings together multiple agencies or departments, ensuring that they work collaboratively towards a common goal. This approach is particularly crucial during incidents that extend beyond the capabilities of a single agency, such as natural disasters or large-scale emergencies where resources and expertise from various sectors are essential.

In a unified command system, representatives from various responding organizations share the authority and responsibility for incident management. This allows for clear communication, coordinated strategies, and efficient resource allocation among different teams. By establishing a unified command, agencies can avoid duplication of efforts and conflicts, which can arise when multiple departments operate independently.

The other terms listed, while related to incident management, do not specifically capture the essence of the collaborative strategy that is inherent in unified command. "Cooperative command" and "joint operations" imply collaboration but do not denote the formal structure designed to integrate multiple agencies effectively in incident response. "Incident command," while a foundational aspect of emergency response, typically refers to the system used by a single agency to manage its operations, rather than the collaborative nature of handling incidents that require input and coordination from multiple departments.