Dealing with emergencies

Someone I know had to be taken to the hospital for a surgery. Nothing major. Just a routine daycare thing.

On arrival, our guy was admitted and we were told the surgery would begin at 11:00 am. Somehow, 11:00 am came and went. Then, noon and 1:00 PM passed. We got a bit angry, but only enough to feel like idiots later.

What had happened in fact was that the doctor/surgeon was busy doing an emergency procedure. Around 01:40, hospital staff came to take our guy for the procedure.

This raised a question.

How to deal with emergencies?

Hospitals have emergency rooms. ICRs, IICRs, what have you.

Sports teams have more players than needed to play.

Most armed and paramilitary forces have "rear" and "reserve" units.

Most people try to save money for the proverbial rainy day. Some are able to invest in something as well.

What are some of your personal, organizational, or any other tips for dealing with emergencies?