Surge Capacity

Surge capacity refers to an organization or system's ability to handle a sudden increase in demand or workload, especially during emergencies or crises. For example, hospitals may experience surge capacity when a natural disaster leads to a higher number of patients needing care at once. This capacity includes not only physical resources, like beds and equipment, but also staffing and operational readiness. Effectively managing surge capacity ensures that services can continue to meet the needs of the community, even under extreme pressure or extraordinary circumstances.