Medical planning for disaster in Israel. Evaluation of the military surgical experience in the October 1973 War, and implications for the organization of the civilian disaster services.

During its 27 years of existence, Israel has experienced four wars and dozens of mass casualty situations from various causes. This experience has led to the development of a plan for the management of mass casualties. This plan was put to the test in the October War of 1973 and proved successful. Although disasters and procedures vary widely in time and location certain principles of organization and management apply to most of them. In this paper the organization of the evacuation and management of the casualties in the October War is evaluated and its implications in the organization of civilian disaster services discussed.