The World Health Organization recognizes that each year more than 100 million people worldwide sustain injuries and more than five million people die from violence and injury, and that 90% of the global burden of violence and injury mortality occurs in low and middle-income countries.

The WHO also recognizes that improved organization and planning for provision of trauma and emergency care is an essential part of integrated health-care delivery that it plays an important role in preparedness for, and response to, mass-casualty incidents. EMS organization and planning lowers mortality, reduces disability, and prevents other adverse health outcomes arising from the burden of everyday injuries.