Medical teams for accidents and major disasters.

Recent major disasters within the United Kingdom have highlighted the role of mobile medical teams. A prospective study of 244 call-outs demonstrated that an experienced medical team can be mobilized rapidly and effectively in response to accidents and potential disasters. An accident flying squad reduced mortality in the severely multiply-injured patient by providing treatment at the scene of the accident in 234 patients. The argument supporting the development of flying squads for accidents and major disasters can be based on the objective evidence of their value rather than on their empirical and emotional appeal.