Because only a small proportion of psychologically disturbed children in these countries will be seen by a psychologist or a psychiatrist, the importance of training a large number of people to deal locally with the situation was stressed. It means that all doctors, nurses, health workers, teachers and community workers should learn how to play their part. Only mass media can do this quickly. Research into various methods of tackling these problems in the short and long term is needed. This group was led by Dr. Alex Haller.
Many casualties are from shells, bullets, mines, mortars and burns.
Transport to and from the areas dealing with wounded children is difficult and sometimes dangerous. Area, district and regional organization is needed, as is some system of triage to maximize flows. Care of trauma must be part of overall emergency care in the community. The public, including children, need to learn to stem arterial bleeding, to support fractured limbs, and to ensure an open airway. Agonizing decisions are needed when life-supporting systems are few and children requiring these are many.