abstract
- As the global culture moves forward into the 21st century with increasing interaction of populations through direct contact and electronic interchange, those citizens of our planet who have not benefited from the material gains that have been realized in the "mature economy" countries will increasingly seek equity on all levels, beginning with the most fundamental aspect of health care. There is a need to develop a capacity for treatment of urgent and emergent health conditions globally, a need that will only increase with advancing global economic development.