Written by more than 30 emergency physicians with first-hand experience handling medical care during disasters, this volume is the only single comprehensive reference on disaster medicine. It provides the information that every emergency department needs to prepare for and handle the challenges of natural and manmade disasters. The contributors present guidelines for assessing the affected population's health care needs, establishing priorities, allocating resources, and treating individuals. Coverage encompasses a wide range of natural, industrial, technologic, transportation-related, and conflict-related disasters, with examples from around the world. This edition has more illustrations and more information on weapons of mass destruction and explosions. "Doody's Core Titles 2009."

Table of Contents

GENERAL CONCEPTS Basic Perspectives on Disaster Triage Pediatric Considerations in Disasters Public Health Disasters Infectious Diseases and Disasters Pharmaceuticals in Disasters Critical Incident Stress Urban Search and Rescue Complex Humanitarian Emergencies DISASTER RESPONSE PLANNING AND COORDINATION Principles of Hospital Disaster Planning Emergency Medical Services in Disaster Local Government Emergency Disaster Planning The United States National Response Plan Communication and Information Technology Tools for Disaster Response and Medical Assistance Managing Disasters in Austere Environments NATURAL DISASTERS Earthquakes Tornadoes Hurricanes Floods Firestorms and Wildfires Winter Storms Avalanches Heat-Related Disasters Volcanic Eruptions Tsunamis INDUSTRIAL, TECHNOLOGIC, AND TRANSPORTATION DISASTERS Medical Management of Radiation Incidents Hazardous Materials Emergencies Mass Gathering Medical Care Maritime Disasters Aircrash Disasters Fires and Mass Burn Care CONFLICT-RELATED DISASTERS Conventional Terrorist Bombings Nuclear Detonations: Evaluation and Response Intentional Chemical Disasters Biological Weapons Agents Tactical Emergency Services Mass Shootings EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND RESEARCH Education and Training in Disaster Medicine Research in Disaster Medicine