Psychiatric aspects of civilian disasters.

Every society should have contingency plans for dealing with catastrophes, however unlikely they may be, and every large hospital should have a disaster plan. The overall organisation and administration of this, together with the provision of emergency medical treatment, is clearly of primary importance, but the emotional reactions of the survivors, their loved ones and even of the relief personnel and staff is also of considerable importance. In introducing psychiatry into disaster planning and relief work it should not be seen as yet another example of trying to psychiatrise all the problems of the world but as a means of increasing awareness of and sensitivity to the way people react to extreme environmental stress and as an adjunct to the overall management of survivors.