The mass stabbing at Union Gospel Mission on Sunday night was the first time in at least eight years that Salem Hospital activated its mass casualty protocol.

A dozen people were injured and 11 were sent to Salem hospital, according to the Salem Police Department.

In such circumstances, emergency department doctors brace to receive more patients than their resources can handle. Under Salem Hospital’s plan, the team has 20 minutes to clear treatment bays and prepare equipment.

The hospital, located south of downtown two miles from the stabbing scene, didn’t have 20 minutes to prepare.

“We didn’t have 10 minutes. We barely had five minutes,” said Dr. Libby Windell, the medical director of trauma services.

In the emergency department, the charge nurse has the duty to keep an eye on eme

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