Principles of humanitarian and disaster response for healthcare systems in the modern era

The following manuscript is a condensed review of discussion points raised by a panel of experts at the 2023 American College of Surgeons Point Counterpoint conference on humanitarian and disaster response. The field of disaster management and humanitarian response has evolved significantly in the past several decades, as the scale and type of events, the scope of medical care, and the field of operations have changed. Limiting the extent of the injury and providing the greatest care to most individuals remains paramount. For teams to be successful, key principles include effective preparation and planning, adhering to ethical principles, and providing damage control surgical care. Within the hospital setting, trauma surgeons are well-equipped to triage patients while also providing essential surgical care. Humanitarian and disaster response teams must work closely with local government and other organizations to address shortages in staff, supplies, and other constraints.