Operation Nightingale: the role of BMH Dharan following the 1988. Nepal earthquake, and some observations on Third World earthquake disaster relief missions.

Following a large earthquake in Nepal, the experience of a small hospital in dealing with the resulting mass casualties is described. The value of pre-planning and effective triage of the injured is stressed, and aspects of surgical and medical care specific to earthquake victims discussed. Clinical and administrative challenges encountered in mounting a major relief exercise in a Third World setting are also described. frequent exercising of military hospitals and personnel in handling mass casualties is an applicable to civilian natural catastrophies as to battlefield medical support.