Crisis situations are the ones in which health system is overwhelmed at almost every level, including hospital and out-of-hospital care. Overwhelmed is manifested in a sudden increase in the usual number of patients on care, while the amount of resources stay the same. Allocations of the resources make difficult choices for physicians and health professionals as well. Medical protocols are predetermined guidelines, which serve as a tool for health professionals. Moreover, when followed correctly resolve liability. In crisis situations, doctors are often faced with ethical dilemmas, therefore protocols and guidelines act as a security net. When comparing crisis and regular protocols, a difference in the approach towards the patient can be noticed. In regular protocols all resources are available and all the focus is directed towards the patient. In crisis protocols the resources are limited and the focus is directed on saving as many lives as possible. Triage at the site is the key to saving as many lives as possible; it needs to be conducted quickly and efficiently by highly educated and trained professionals if possible. Adequate and timely preparations for potential disasters make a significant difference in the response of the health system in crisis situations, and thereby in the final outcome. There are specific medical protocols for certain situations with which doctors are faced on site, for example an amputation after a crush injury and the allocation of mechanical ventilators in case of limited resources. There are also available checklists that have greatly contributed to better preparation and efficiency in hospitals in Europe that have implemented them. Every hospital should have these checklists and invest the effort into education and training so that their implementation is of use. There is a significant difference in the response to emergency situations in hospitals, out of hospital care sites and on site. They differ by the amount of available resources (medical personnel, transport vehicles, medical equipment, infrastructure, etc.), possibilities and the level of readiness. Therefore, improving the response to crisis situations is an important task of every country. This can be accomplished by educational measures, the implementation of standardized guidelines, checklists and the involvement of the out of hospital sector.