A military medicine conference in Hobart has heard Australia needs to be better prepared to respond to any future terrorist attacks.

The Australasian Military Medicine Association is holding its annual conference in Hobart.

Delegates were told health professionals in America realised in 2013 how unprepared they were to respond to disasters after the Boston marathon bombings.

The association's president, Greg Mahoney, said it was essential Australia's Defence Force, police, and emergency services worked together to prepare.

"We actually have to get out and do a full blown exercise to help improve response times, the importance of initial treatment but also the important of follow up treatment as well," he said.

Dr Mahoney said the conference will also explore more effective treatment plans for people who suffer from mental health issues, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder.

"What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another, certainly from therapies people are using, for example using cognitive behaviour therapy to help these people slowly improve their lives."

The conference finishes today.