This issue will take a look at modern critical care techniques in a historical context. Topics include: "Shock and Organ failure", "Battlefield trauma, traumatic shock and consequences: War-related advances in critical care", "Lessons from Modern Disasters and Wars: Bhopal, Chernobyl, Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami, Iraq", "Plagues with Critical Care Implications: Legionairres, Staph toxic shock, SARS, Hantavirus, Group A...