Organizations and academic perspective

This article examines the organizations that coordinate and supervise care during disasters in many countries throughout the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the services in the United States, the United Kingdom, several European countries, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The article then looks at the contribution to future disaster management that these and other organizations make, both through governmental and volunteer channels. Future prospects are considered, including the creation of standards of training and better disaster review. The interaction of civilian and military response is closely examined, and there are suggestions to further integrate care provision between organizations.