[Contents and updating of disaster plans]

The disaster contingency plans of 62 hospitals with surgical, acute emergency functions were evaluated. Most plans were incomplete with regard to continued and extended activity or evacuation of the entire hospital in the event of war. Only 13% had adequate plans for internal accidents or situations with reduced of lost supply of vital resources such as water, medical gases or electricity. Plans for serious accidents in peacetime were to some degree deficient with regard to important aspects of the organization of the hospital in an emergency situation. Efforts to improve this crucial planning work are discussed.