Introduction

Abstract

Earthquakes have a devastating impact on affected regions and their populations, often causing death and serious personal injury. They often result in incalculable environmental damage, loss of life, and threats to health. China is an earthquake-prone country located at the intersection of the circum-Pacific seismic zone and the Eurasian seismic zone. After the Wenchuan earthquake, China began to build an emergency medical rescue system for natural disasters. Tremendous progress has been made in response to many medical challenges resulting from these disasters. However, emergency medical rescue is complicated, and substantial emphasis should be placed on its organization to achieve optimal results. Further studies should focus on medical rescue efforts in terms of emergency response, collaboration and cooperation, large-scale transportation and rehabilitation of sick and wounded people, the public health response, and the effect on mental health and social institutions.