The Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness (DMEP) Course emphasizes an all-hazards approach, emphasizing that many principles apply to disasters of all kinds regardless of specific mechanism. Surgical problems and the role of surgeons in disasters are emphasized even with non-surgical forms of injury.

DMEP is a one-day course that is both didactic and interactive. It addresses core competencies as outlined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT) Disaster and Mass Casualty Management Committee. Major topics addressed include planning, triage, incident command, injury patterns and pathophysiology, and consideration for special populations. Small group discussions are based on illustrative scenarios. The course requires a pre and post test, which are reviewed onsite. A comprehensive syllabus and supportive CD with resource material is provided. 

• Understand the surgical problems, injury patterns, and issues that may result from disasters.
• Discuss the role that surgeons can play in planning for and responding to mass casualty incidents and disasters, especially at a hospital level.
• Become familiar with the terms and concepts of incident command.
• Understand the principles and challenges of disaster triage.
• Become familiar with treatment principles related to blast injury, chemical attacks and radiological dispersal devices.
• Know the civilian and military assets available for support.