Annotation This practical text focuses on decision making during a disaster or emergency. It explains what needs to be done for patients in particular situations and details the simplified methods often required when handling victims of major accidents and disasters.

The major incident -- definitions and demands on the health care system -- Major incidents: Examples and experiences -- The prehospital response -- Triage -- The hospital response -- Management of dead victims -- Incidents caused by physical trauma -- Incidents caused by fire and toxic gases -- Incidents in cold and wet environments -- Incidents caused by hazardous material -- Incidents caused by irradiation -- Infectious diseases and biological weapons -- Incidents caused by changes in nature and climate -- Combat casualty management -- Terrorist attacks on the civilian community -- Scoring systems related to outcome in severe injuries -- Psychological crisis support in major incidents -- Education and training -- Methodological development and research.