Abstract
The subject of disaster medicine may seem suspect to those who say that it means to prepare for war. Others maintain that in the FRG we need not concern ourselves with disaster medicine because “disasters in this country seem unlikely.” I consider those claims absurd. I will try to point out possibilities for medical support by the West German Bundeswehr (Federal Armed Forces) in the event of natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, forest fires) or in severe accidents (e.g., traffic, aircraft, railway) where suitable civilian helpers or equipment are unavailable or are available only in insufficient numbers or too late. The Federal Armed Forces' Medical Service, according to legislation, is part of the Armed Forces, organized for defense. The medical service has to provide free medical care for military personnel, and protect, maintain or restore as far as possible the health of military personnel. Moreover, it is a matter of course in our country to employ the medical service of the Bundeswehr for aid in natural disasters or major accidents. For this purpose, the Surgeon General, Federal Armed Forces, in March 1982, issued guidelines on which I will primarily base my remarks.
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