Traffic accidents are the number one killer of citizens in the Republic of Turkey.
In 1999, over 4000 citizens died and over 112000 were injured as a direct result of motor vehicle accidents. In addition to accidents, the Republic of Turkey has experienced one of the world's most devastating natural disasters in the history of mankind. The 1999 Marmara earthquake was responsible for over 25000 deaths, and more than 100000 injuries. As a direct result of the above situations, significant data were identified by EMAT medical experts in emergency medicine the need for citizen based education on how to deal with the activation of 112 services, basic first aid procedures, basic life support, and how to react to emergencies in the community, specifically disasters. In 1995, EMAT was established by a group of Turkish physicians to address the needs of emergency care throughout the Republic of Turkey.