Incorporation of telemedicine in disaster management

Disasters present a world-wide problem that requires systematic, methodological preparation, and response by multiple partners. The disaster management cycle includes mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery. To effectively respond to major disaster crises and engage in management of disasters, often a multi-national coordinated system is implemented. Telemedicine technologies should be incorporated into these systems based on the effectiveness of mobile technologies and capabilities of providing remote expertise in crisis situations. Multiple projects and organizations are engaged in testing the effectiveness of training, preparation, and simulated responses in order to better manage disaster response and recovery. NATO has recently tested the effectiveness of a coordinated Multinational Telemedicine System (MnTS) that provides a model for effective disaster management using telemedicine technology. The solution for effective disaster management is to create telemedicine technology prior to a disaster that can be incorporated into the management phases. This solution will ultimately save lives and reduce costs associated with disaster response.