ALL ASPECTS OF HEALTH CARE, and all health disciplines may become involved, at some level, in the health response(s) to and recovery from a disaster. Specialized education is fundamental in preparing nurses for their evolving and expanding roles during crises and disasters. The 2007 report from the World Health Organization's Consultation on Nursing and Midwifery in Emergencies called for improved skills and competencies of nurses involved in emergencies and disasters, and for disaster nursing education to be integral in both pre-service and in-service nursing education.

Knowledge is key to disaster preparedness and effective responses. The intent of this text is to provide nurses with an in-depth, comprehensive understanding of their potential role(s) during a disaster, the issues that they may face, how the various response systems and agencies function, and the impact of these disaster response systems on the role(s) and functions of the nurse.

To this end, we have sought input from numerous experts in various fields and disciplines in disaster health. In recognition of the fact that roles and functions often blend and cross over during a disaster, we have selected authors from the disciplines commonly involved in disaster health (such as nursing, medicine, and public health) as well as governmental and non-governmental agencies. As the discipline of disaster health is fairly nascent and without a strong, evidential base, it is essential that we make every effort to share information among the involved professions and to learn from each other.