Disaster Medicine

Book Review Disaster Medicine, edited by David E. Hogan and Jonathan L. Burstein, 431 pp, with illus, $79.95, Philadelphia, Pa, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (telephone: 800-638-3030), 2002, ISBN 07817-2625-5 Type and Scope of Book: With contributions from 40 emergency physicians who have first-hand experience in the field, this comprehensive work provides the basic information needed to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. Contents: The book contains 38 chapters and is divided into 6 parts. Part 1 discusses general concepts of disaster medicine, including the basic physics of disasters, triage, pediatric considerations, and even critical incident stress. The second part of the text provides an extensive discussion of disaster response planning and coordination, with chapters focusing on hospital and prehospital disaster planning from community and federal perspectives. Communication and information technology necessary for adequate disaster planning and response are discussed indepth. Part 3 focuses on natural disasters, and parts 4 and 5 are devoted to various man-made disasters including conflict-related disasters involving nuclear, chemical, and biological terrorism. Part 6 concludes the text with chapters on education, training, and research. Strengths: This text provides practical guidance from experts with extensive experience who support their recommendations with scientific evidence. The book presents a “real-world” approach to disaster planning and casualty management in what may be austere or dangerous environments. Deficiencies: None. Recommended Readership: Health care professionals who are responsible for community-wide disaster planning. Overall Grading: ##### Andy J. Boggust, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn

Grading Key ★★★★★ = outstanding; ★★★★ = excellent; ★★★ = good; ★★ = fair; ★ = poor.

© 2003 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

For personal use. Mass reproduce only with permission from Mayo Clinic Proceedings.