Although disasters and major incidents are rare events, international statistics show an increasing
number of such events in the last decades. Transportation incidents, increasing numbers of mass
gatherings, chemical and technical incidents, increasing number of armed conflicts and terrorism
are some of the major reasons for this increasing pattern. Any of these events may result in severe
casualties, destruction of infrastructures and create a situation in which the number of victims may
exceed available resources.
Much of the knowledge in disaster medicine has been based on the “lessons learned”. However, it
has been proven that no lessons learned theoretically can actively be used in practice if the
knowledge is not tested in a practical environment. In this perspective, the major clinical excellence
and testing laboratories for disaster response are the scenes where disasters happen. Yet, most of
the research and reports in the field are produced in high-income countries, while most of the
disasters happen in middle- or low-income countries. There is thus a need to bring these two
environments together in order to use the theoretical knowledge in practice and among people who
are highly exposed and involved in the multidisciplinary management of a disaster or major
incident.
In this project, we have initiated an academic program in which the theoretical knowledge is mixed
with practical exercises in an environment that allows mistakes and repetitive learning. The blended
learning model used in the program enables the use of this educational model in different countries
with different resources. This program consists of theoretical lectures, seminars, internet-based
learning, table-top exercises and simulation exercises. In order to standardize the knowledge and
enable an easier access to the literature, this handbook was created. Many internationally known
academics and field workers have contributed to produce the 30 chapters of this book. The topics
included are based on research published in the literature (see introduction).
Our goal is to offer an easy and accessible book for all professionals involved in the management
of disasters and major incidents. This book is no substitute for reference books in disaster
medicine but should be seen as a primary introduction to the subject. I would like to thank all my
co-authors for their excellent and voluntary work and the time they put into this book. My thanks
also go to the EU and DG-ECHO, for their valuable contribution to the entire project