Urban search and rescue.

Structural-collapse rescue is one of the most challenging and dangerous disaster response activities. Sophisticated, multidisciplinary search-and-rescue capabilities have evolved to address the difficulties in finding, reaching, and extricating deeply entombed survivors. An equally advanced medical team is required to provide health and medical support to rescuers and to optimize extrication and survival of the often critically injured victims. Adaptations in the usual approach to emergency medical services and emergency medical care are needed to evaluate and treat confined-space victims adequately.