There is a general perception that medical students should help in case of disaster situations or epidemiological contingencies; although, they may not have been properly educated to do so. In recent dates, the participation of students is important in staff training activities, triage, care of bureaucratic activities, volunteering; but they are not considered a first line of care at disaster sites or patient management. The perception of the participation of medical students in disasters and pandemics is reviewed in the literature and some of the needs for their training and teaching are established, so that they can truly become an option in times of crisis.