FattahS, RehnM, WisborgT. Field Reports: Yes, They Will Add to the Prehospital and Disaster Knowledge Base. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(4):461–461.

TurrisSA, CamporeseM, GutmanSJ, LundA. Mass-gathering Medicine: Risks and Patient Presentations at a 2-day Electronic Dance Music Event - Year Two. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(6):687–688.

The Syrian Arab Republic is entrenched in a deadly civil war, plunging the country into a state of chaos. With 3.2 million refugees abroad, 7.6 million internally displaced persons, and more than 200,000 killed, humanitarian assistance and international intervention are in dire need.

This report outlines the response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis by a South African-based nongovernmental organization (NGO). It describes the experiences of a health care worker, the patient profiles, and the lessons learned in a war zone.

Responding to a nation in need is of paramount importance. In order to maximize the benefit conferred, the team should always attempt to implement measures that leave a lasting legacy.

MahomedZ, MotaraF, BhamA. Humanitarian Medical Response to the Syrian Arab Republic (April 7, 2013 to April 23, 2013). Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):114–116.

Editor’s Introductory Note

This section of Prehospital and Disaster Medicine (PDM) presents reports and summaries of the 19th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WCDEM) held in Cape Town, South Africa in April of 2015. Abstracts of Congress oral and poster presentations were published in April 2015 as a supplement to PDM (Volume 30, Supplement 1).

Linking Competency with Training Needs: Session Summary on Disaster Studies and Evaluation, Session BO-17. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):117–118.