ABSTRACT
In the past, emergency response and contingency planning was, on the whole, based on lessons learnt from previous events. The majority of these events were usually natural disasters, such as floods, large fires, avalanches or earthquakes, which to some extent occurred periodically in specific areas. Because of the great danger this caused to the life, health and property of those affected, additional steps were taken to prevent these disasters and plans developed to limit their effects. Generally, these plans encompassed the provision of aid for combating disasters, the rescue and the care of the population, as well as the selection and training of suitable personnel for these tasks. Urgent decisions were taken by those responsible in each case without any forward planning of support services.
