With the exception of some large city fire and law enforcement departments, few officers or medical personnel will ever respond to a sufficient number of disasters to gain the experience needed for handling large scale emergencies. Most emergency service personnel are duly trained in basic rescue, aerial operations, and emergency medical care where up to ten patients may be involved. This is especially true of volunteer first responders.
Often the need for a plan is perceived only after a major problem or event occurs. One of the goals is to make all emergency service personnel aware of the need for comprehensive planning and proper training before a disaster occurs. The ability to plan organize, command, and coordinate activities during a major disaster must be developed before the problem occurs.
All agencies should develop a disaster plan and be thoroughly knowledgeable about the plan. First responders must have fundamental knowledge of disasters and the ability to think and act quickly and decisively. Field exercises should be held to test the plan in order to disclose any and all weaknesses, so that changes can be made. All agencies must be thoroughly familiar with the Incident Command System.