The hospital is part of the chain of first responders in case of a disaster. The vulnerability of the modern hospital is growing despite scientific and technological advancement. Throughout disaster management, health professionals with broad surgical knowledge are needed, despite the existing range of subspecialists.

Modern hospitals act without having enough available operating rooms, medical teams in reserve, supply reserves, etc., in case of a disaster. Every day, the hospital management is forced into permanent cost-reduction activities involving logistical supply.

The dual-wave phenomenon threatens to overburden hospital capabilities, with the lightly injured patients arriving first and the more heavily injured coming in later. Volunteers, “freelancers,” relatives, and friends can overcrowd the hospital and compromise the health providers' safety. Hazardous materials and radiological, chemical, and biological pollution, along with hostile activity by terrorists, represent an additional safety threat.