Experience and preparedness of major incidents in developing countries.

Catastrophic earthquakes during the past decade in developing countries in Asia (Bam, Iran, 2003; Kashmi, Pakistan, 2005; and Sichuan, China, 2008) have resulted in large numbers of severe traumatic injuries including bone fracture, amputation, brain injury, and spinal cord injury (SCI). Experience managing these disabling injuries has demonstrated the benefit of high quality medical rehabilitation immediately after the event. Reported benefits are quicker recovery, fewer medical complications, significant improvement in physical functional outcomes, and improved overall quality of life.