[Immediate reaction of the Urgent Medical Aid Unit--current aspects of organization and management].

The dispatcher centres of the Urgent Medical Aid Unit (UMAU) have to guarantee an instant reaction for medical assistance in catastrophes and other serious occurences within the scope of their appointed medical areas. Whereas aid for a group of damaged persons largely takes place according to the principles of individual treatment, in catastrophes medical care must be given according the criteria of disaster medicine until a balance in the initial disproportion between aid requirements and possibilities is reached. The necessary qualification for this is obtained by members of the UMAU through regular postgraduate training. The qualifications of the head of the unit and the senior doctor on the spot are of particular importance. The most important instrument for preparing and implementing immediate reaction is a list of comprehensive and clearly arranged instructions regarding tasks and functions to be carried out. The success of immediate reaction depends in no small way on the availability of facilities, the standard of which has to be critically evaluated.