In order to prepare to respond to a disaster event, one must consider the type of disaster. Is it a one-time event, the result of weather, seismic activity, or a technological/transportation mishap? Is it an acute occurrence in a chronically affected area? What is the scale: large scale (widespread) vs limited in scope? The spectrum of medical and surgical disease that you will likely treat and approximate numbers of patients influences both preparation and logistics. Always count on a disproportionate number of children. The age spectrum is usually shifted to the left in developing countries, kids have a higher likelihood of being injured than adults, but they are often more resilient.