Child training in the general residency or in fellowship provides a background in consulting to non-medical organizations and leaders such as school principals, teachers, and guidance counselors. It also exposes psychiatrists to experience with acute emergencies and a broad range of organic brain disorders. Psychiatrists are well-suited to provide consultation to disaster organizations such as the Red Cross, FEMA and emergency systems as well as community leaders. The physician s medically based connections with these institutions are very helpful in gaining entree. The medical identity also facilitates participation across international boundaries.
Psychiatrists enjoy special psychotherapeutic skills useful in disasters.
Experience in working with injured patients and the management of associated hyperarousal are very helpful following catastrophes. Similarly, psychiatrists ability to deal with issues of death and dying are prominent also in disaster work. The importance of sleep management and the judicious use of medications is an important contribution.