After learning of the scale of the terrorist attacks on 11th March, the main goal of the Pharmacy Service was to guarantee the availability of drugs to meet the needs of a large number of patients in as short a time as possible. Due to an automated storage system, drugs could be ordered from the pharmacuetical laboratories efficiently. One hundred fifty-seven orders for drugs were made, representing an increase of 51% over the daily average. As far as possible, burocratic procedures were avoided. In addition, dispensation of drugs to admission wards was facilitated by an automatic storage and dispensation system (carousels). A total of 249 distinct orders were dispensed (2,755 drugs), concentrated in the Resuscitation and Intensive Care Units, Emergency and Surgical Departments, representing 100% of the activity performed from 8.30 to 13.00 h. After that time, normal dispensing activity to the other clinical units was resumed.