An introduction to disaster medicine in Europe

Disaster medicine, which is based primarily on military and emergency medicine, is a young branch on the old tree of medicine. It touches on various disciplines within and outside the medical field. The subject is being taught on the academic and postacademic levels at many universities throughout Europe. The first chair in disaster medicine was established in Linkoping, Sweden; the second is now in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Some aspects of disaster medicine specifically oriented toward Europe are presented.