Increased numbers of people gathering at shopping centres, stadia, public transportation facilities, high rise buildings and office blocks have increased the likelihood of mass casualties situations during accidents in these places. Increased traffic on the road, air, sea and rail has added to the realistic dangers faced by large groups of the public when travelling.

Coupled with this the unfortunate terrorist threat to many countries and the often-unforeseeable threat of natural disasters, the threats and likelihood of mass casualty situations are even greater.