6. Summary

Planning is essential to reduce risks and minimize dangers in the event of a disaster. It should be carried out at different levels, from the family unit to the local community with its various entities. Each community should develop its own local emergency or disaster plan. This local disaster plan needs to be adequately coordinated with the regional and national-level plans. Disaster plans should contemplate the basic needs of the affected individuals and the potential displacement of many people which may result in public health risks. The basic components of a disaster plan are: analysis of the situation, assumptions, goals, objectives, site organization, roles and responsibilities, coordination, and recording of critical information. The plan needs a realistic appraisal of available resources and extensive training and coordination.

In responding to a mass casualty incident, a management system should be instituted which includes the command post, the advanced medical post, evacuation and transport, and hospital care. This system must be activated in a coordinated manner, and each component sector should be prepared to organize patient care. All lessons learned during the immediate response to the disaster should be incorporated in future planning.