ABSTRACT
Abstract: Ethical principles that are generally considered applicable across religions and national boundaries include beneficence (e.g., “do no harm”), respect for human dignity, and justice. Explanations of these principles are presented and their practical application to emergency public health policies and programs generally and to emergency management information systems specifically is discussed. Among the issues that have received considerable attention are surge capacity-the availability of adequate medical services and supplies for emergency situations and the equitable distribution of services-and risk communication-conveyance of clear and accurate information to the public and to health care providers. The complexities of applying ethical principles to real-life situations are addressed, including for example, public policies to ensure the practical application of distributive justice-with particular concern for vulnerable populations-while balancing the realities of resource availability and institutional infrastructure.
