Civil protection and disaster medicine in Germany today.

Authors :: Fischer P
Wafaisade A
Bail H
Domres B
Kabir K
Braun T
Source :: Langenbeck's archives of surgery [Langenbecks Arch Surg] 2011 Apr; Vol. 396 (4), pp. 523-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Mar 10.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Purpose: This paper seeks to outline the development of disaster medicine services in Germany and the preparedness of the security and rescue forces for mass casualty incidents after an accident, a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.<br />Method: The method used was review of articles and interview with experts.<br />Results: The plane crash at the 1988 Ramstein air show highlighted problems in the approach to incident management. Following this event, Germany improved the medical management of major incidents. At the railway accident in Eschede in 1998, a "proof of concept" was evident. The newest increases of terrorist threats were also turning points in the further development of disaster medicine in Germany.<br />Conclusions: Emergency medical training must be adapted to the increase in disasters, mass casualty incidents, and terrorist threats.