Lillibridge SR. New textbook announced and reviewed: Disaster Medicine - Comprehensive Principles and Practices. 2^nd edition. Kristi L. Koenig & Carl H. Schultz. 2016. Cambridge University Press. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(1):1–2.

The recently released Disaster Medicine Reference Koenig and Schultz ¹ textbook is receiving widespread attention from the emergency health services community, as well as in graduate education circles. Editors Kristi L. Koenig and Carl H. Schultz have achieved, once again, in their second edition a carefully annotated and updated compendium that captures the essential components of Disaster Medicine. At more than 730 pages, the editors have advanced an educational roadmap for the continued development of this rapidly emerging field. The complexity and detail of each chapter represents a new standard for Disaster Medicine literature. It is no surprise that the textbook’s educational material also is able to bridge the gap between clinical training graduate-level programs in Public Health and medical school pedagogy. Specifically, the textbook sets the stage for the continued evolution of this nascent field by refocusing preparedness on evidence-based practice while familiarizing the reader with some of the most recent research.

The book is organized into three distinct areas: (1) Framework/Strategic Overview; (2) Operational Issues; and (3) Clinical Issues. Information is developed through 43 separately authored chapters with generous attention to issues related to every type of disaster, ranging from earthquakes and hurricanes to terrorism and emerging infectious-disease-intensive disasters. Book chapters are authored by some of the most recognized leaders in the fields of Disaster Medicine, Public Health Preparedness, Emergency Management, and Environmental Health (eg, Frederick M. Burkle, Mark E. Keim, and Richard J. Hatchett). Disaster Medicine Reference Koenig and Schultz ¹ sets a basic framework for emergency response and takes the reader from broad strategic overview of the topic to specific knowledge in specialized emergency response areas (eg, complex emergencies, environmental disease, and epidemics). The textbook moves decisively into specific operational skills ranging from competencies to address mass-casualty situations to the broader public health knowledge required to manage the emergency aspects of population health. The chapters flow exceptionally well and the editors have done a masterful job of standardizing disparate topics through careful editing, focusing on a common disaster lexicon, and via the addition of supporting graphics and images. Consequently, the material is easy to read and understand.

Disaster Medicine Reference Koenig and Schultz ¹ also is ideal for those interested in furthering their knowledge related to the management of emergency health systems while honing their familiarity with the most recent developments in Disaster Medicine. The only limitation noted in this excellent academic work consists of a missed opportunity to provide a companion teaching syllabus with supporting materials. In addition, given an increasingly disordered world due to armed conflict and failed governments that is resulting in mass migration and refugee levels not seen since WWII, it would seem an opportune time for additional emphasis on the specialized components of refugee health in the next edition.

Disaster Medicine Reference Koenig and Schultz ¹ greatly advances this emerging field. The textbook will have strong appeal for medical or public health practitioners seeking to prepare themselves for participation in disaster response with governmental organizations, relief agencies, or global health entities. The broad perspective covered by this textbook also makes it a useful adjunct for disaster mitigation activities related to disaster planning and training for emergencies. The editors effectively highlight essential health challenges via review of major disaster types and case studies. Chapter authors are well-respected, expert international authorities in their respective fields.

In summary, Disaster Medicine Reference Koenig and Schultz ¹ is a great academic contribution and a “must have” for any health professional working in this field. It provides critical information from disparate disciplines that are superbly organized and well referenced within a single textbook. The price point for the textbook puts it in range for most health professionals, as well as for academic and emergency response organizations. There also is an electronic version of the textbook that is favored by most students in the classroom environment and is able to be found quickly on Amazon.com (Amazon.com Inc.; Seattle, Washington USA). Disaster Medicine Reference Koenig and Schultz ¹ is simply the most precise and up to date textbook of its kind on the market. Congratulations to these editors and the chapter authors of this definitive reference for a job well done.