Further Methodological Development and Research

Abstract

The overall objectives of the science of disaster medicine are “to eliminate or reduce loss of life and health, and physiological and psychological suffering, to the extent possible in every situation where the immediate need of medical care exceeds available resources.” This requires development and evaluation of methodology (research) and transferring knowledge about this methodology to medical staff of all categories (education and training).

This means that the science of disaster medicine covers a wide spectrum of events, from major incidents (MIs) level 1 to level 3 according to the definitions in the introductory chapter in this book. All these events have in common the basic methodological principles for planning, organization, and performance, even if decisions and performance naturally have to vary in proportion to the discrepancy between the need of care and available resources.

The need for research in this field as well as in all other fields of medicine is apparent. Disaster medicine is a multidisciplinary science, covering the major part of medical specialties. Within all these specialties, there is a need for methodological development for the management of situations where the immediate need of care exceeds available resources: simplified methods for diagnosis and treatment, methodology of triage, and injuries/diseases specific to major incidents. It is important that the need of research within this field is identified and supported by our universities, where we also need a coordinating function for both research and education in this multidisciplinary field.