The physician's role in Canada's disaster response system.

The most recent tragedy in Manitoba illustrates that disasters can strike any community. Within Canada, a tiered disaster response system exists. Even though physicians often play an integral role in the disaster plan, few participate in the planning process or even appreciate their potential role in the event a disaster should occur. Physician involvement would guarantee health matters be appropriately addressed resulting in reduced mortality and decreased morbidity. There are ample opportunities to become involved in disaster planning and response at all levels of government. The objective of this paper is to inform physicians about the disaster planning infrastructure that exists in Canada, show them where they may get involved, and urge them to do so.