<p>The care and treatment of those involved in a disaster lies at the heart of the emergency response. This applies not only to those injured and traumatised – as well as their relatives and friends – but to everyone involved in the emergency response (Home Office 1997). This article will highlight the concepts which inform the development of recommendations for co-ordinating trauma care in a major incident, as well as provide a backdrop of national and international research, protocols and practices.</p>