The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is a cooperative asset-sharing program among Federal government agencies, State and local governments, and the private businesses and civilian volunteers to ensure resources are available to provide medical services following a disaster.  The NDMS, through the Public Health Service, fosters the development of DMATs.  A DMAT is a group of professional and paraprofessional medical personnel (supported by a cadre of logistical and administrative staff) designed to provide emergency medical care during a disaster or other event.