Progressive medical care in disaster situations: a critical evaluation of the current situation in the Netherlands.

An overview of the plan for medical response in the event of a disaster in the Netherlands is presented. An idealized evaluation of the response capability, as well as the probable actual ability, is reviewed. The plan involves a response to the disaster site by teams comprising a surgeon, anesthesiologist, and two specially trained nurses from 1 or many of 20 participating hospitals as well as an ambulance response from associated district ambulance posts. An overview of disaster management in general is presented.