title: Understanding the chain of communication during a disaster.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Every disaster begins on a local level and may, depending on size, evolve to a state of federal disaster response. Understanding California's State Disaster Plan and the importance of the chain of communication is a first step to understanding the Federal Disaster Response system. The chain of command is critical to making sure services and resources are utilized in a timely manner without duplication.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper's intent is to define California's present emergency management system (EMS) infrastructure from local to state level and educate healthcare professionals for disaster activation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is imperative that all voluntary healthcare professionals learn the chain of command within the disaster response system. Each disaster response begins with the individual's preparedness at the local level and all disaster preparedness must incorporate training of health professionals, citizens, and families in local disaster drills.
authors.affiliation: Loma Linda School of Medicine in San Bernardino, CA, USA. ht.shover@verizon.net
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shover
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005544:Forecasting; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends