Support for National Disaster Medical System

Approved October 2006 Support for National Disaster Medical System
Revised and approved by the ACEP Board of Directors October 2006
Originally approved by the ACEP Board of Directors March 1999 replacing CR056 approved September 1985 and CR019 approved October 1991 

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) believes that every community needs a comprehensive plan for immediate emergency medical care in case its medical care system is overwhelmed or rendered ineffective in a disaster. As a component of this plan, ACEP supports the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) and encourages further development and funding of the program. ACEP also supports its members who participate in Disaster Medical Assistance Teams under the auspices of NDMS and encourages agencies such as health care facilities and EMS services and employers such as medical practice groups to allow their employees to participate.