An Israeli model of a hospital emergency information center

The Emergency Information Center model developed by the social work department of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center is activated in cases of mass casualties following disasters. It aims to provide reliable information to help the public cope with confusion and uncertainty, and to enable the medical staff to concentrate on treating the casualties. The Information Center is comprised of several interrelated units within the hospital, and maintains contact with a range of community organizations. The article describes the structure and activities of the various units, and discusses a number of aspects relevant to personnel organization in crisis intervention.