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Emergency response is not specifically addressed in this article but access to health care is, which is just as important. Limiting the access to healthcare because of socioeconomic conditions contributes to the spread of diseases. 

The article discusses the cares and the decisions made in regards to patient care at a hospital during hurricane Katrina. A team of doctors decided to euthanize several patients who were suffering and likely would not receive care or live much longer anyway. While, the team of medical professionals made this choice morally and to relieve the patients of their suffering they are still subject to malpractice claims and breaking protocol. The article suggests a disconnect between those working in the field alongside patients and those making rules and regulations. 

The policy addresses the support and funding provided by the federal government to victims of a disaster, including the basic needs such as food, water, and access to health care through responding organizations. This policy focuses on the coordination between responding groups as well as the long term funding and support systems that will be in place to aid survivors with rebuilding.

This article has been referenced in various books about the global health and international relations. 

Volunteers for the Red Cross can be certified in CPR, AED, CNA, First Aide, EMT, or life guarding.  

This organization does not respond to disasters, but rather provides long term assistance to members of the military and their families. The issues faced by veterans, both medical and social, are often chronic and require a lifetime of support. This is in a way a constant emergency for them and their families, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs aims to provide the necessary support.

The main argument Knowles develops in this article is structural and engineering integrity of buildings and equipment is not always questioned until a disaster occurs and there is public outcry for regulations to be put in place. Whereas if building codes and safety equipment was being regularly tested and enforced, when disasters occured they would not be as tramatic. 

The article focuses more on public health than emergency response. 

The bibliography, and passages in the article, indicate that the author spent a considerable amount of time interviewing workers at Chernobyl during the initial disaster, workers involved in the continuing maintenance efforts, as well as doctors and policymakers involved in the health care system for those with radiation exposure.