In the casualty estimation framework, what is the approximate number of potential victims per classroom in a school?

• A. 50
• B. 20-25
• C. 5-10
• D. 1

Answer: (B)

Casualty estimation in US&R uses occupant density for different spaces to guide resource needs during a response. For a school classroom, a practical reference value is about twenty to twenty-five people. This range reflects typical class sizes plus a teacher, giving a realistic estimate of how many potential victims could be present in a single room during an incident. Using this estimate helps responders plan the number of search crews, equipment, and time required without wildly over- or underestimating the scene. A number like fifty would overstate typical classroom occupancy, while five to ten or even one would undercount what's usually present, potentially leading to insufficient resources.