Disaster Podcast

When an emergency turns into an extended shift, even basic needs like water, food, and clean socks can become a challenge. In this episode of the Disaster Podcast, co-hosts Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis welcome Hannah Cornett and Luke Croston from Tags4Lives, a nonprofit helping communities support the people who respond when disaster strikes.

Their approach starts with a relationship. By working directly with departments before an emergency, Tags4Lives identifies what personnel need and establishes a process for getting requested supplies into their hands without disrupting operations.

Hannah explains how the organization prepares supply packs for different weather conditions and assignments. Items can include water, granola bars, socks, sunscreen, and first aid supplies, with departments helping determine what makes sense for their crews. In-kind donations, grants, and private support help make that work possible.

Drawing on her wildland fire experience, Sam shares why coordination matters. Well-intentioned donations can create extra work when the food or supplies don’t fit the situation. Establishing relationships ahead of time helps turn community generosity into practical assistance that responders can actually use.

Hannah describes how that process has worked in Northeast Ohio, including providing water to fire, public works, and parks departments during hot weather. Getting the system in place before supplies are needed allows departments to request support when conditions change or a routine workday stretches into a prolonged response.

Luke brings an important public works perspective to the conversation. Responding to tornadoes, water main breaks, and other emergencies helped him recognize his department’s role as first responders. Public works employees keep essential infrastructure functioning and help restore the services a community depends on after a disaster. Their crews face long hours and unexpected assignments, and they need support, too.

There’s also a personal element in every appreciation bag. Hannah describes including handwritten messages of gratitude from the public, including messages written on aluminum tags. Alongside the practical supplies, those notes offer a reminder that someone recognizes the work these crews are doing. Jamie reflects on how meaningful that connection can be during a difficult response.

The conversation returns to a lesson that applies across disaster preparedness: build relationships before the emergency. Tags4Lives gives community members a coordinated way to help, while allowing departments to guide the support their personnel receive.

Listen as Hannah and Luke share how their program works, why public works belongs in the responder support conversation, and how a few practical supplies paired with a personal thank-you can make a difference during a long shift.

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

From coastal flooding in the Northeast to tropical rainfall threats in the Pacific, this episode of the Disaster Podcast explores how changing weather patterns create challenges for communities and responders. Disaster meteorologist Dan DePodwin joins hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley to discuss nor’easters, hurricane activity, El Niño, and storms that return after seemingly fading away.

Dan begins by explaining what makes a storm a nor’easter and why these systems can cause problems well beyond snowfall. In the Northeast forecast discussed during the recording, the concerns include coastal wind gusts of 40–60 miles per hour, heavy rain, rough surf, and potential power outages. Persistent onshore winds have already set the stage for coastal flooding, with the Jersey Shore, Long Island, and southeastern New England among the areas of concern.

The conversation then shifts to the Pacific, where tropical systems threaten both island communities and the mainland. Dan describes how tropical moisture interacting with Hawaii’s mountainous terrain can produce extreme rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides. Another concern is moisture moving inland from the eastern Pacific, potentially bringing flooding to parts of the Southwest and central United States. A storm’s effects can extend far beyond its coastal track.

National Hurricane Center Website

El Niño provides a broader backdrop for the discussion. Dan explains how warmer equatorial Pacific waters and changes in atmospheric conditions can influence tropical activity and weather patterns around the world. He also distinguishes those large-scale influences from the ingredients that produce an individual storm: understanding El Niño helps explain the seasonal picture, but it does not mean every weather event has a single cause.

Sam brings a personal perspective to the discussion, recalling a tornado warning while driving through Missouri. She describes taking shelter in a convenience store as warning sirens sounded and later learning that a tornado had struck in the general area. Her experience leads into a conversation about seasonal tornado risks and the importance of paying attention to changing conditions while traveling.

The group also explores so-called “zombie storms”—tropical systems that weaken or lose their tropical characteristics before reorganizing. Hurricane Ivan comes up as the hosts and Dan discuss how a storm’s story can continue long after its initial impact.

Throughout the episode, Dan connects the weather science with the practical concerns facing responders: coastal flooding, inland rainfall, power disruptions, and rapidly changing forecasts. Listen for a conversation about understanding the hazards behind the storm names and keeping the full geographic reach of a weather event in view.

Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast.

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Returning guest and author Beth Livingston joins co-hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley, along with Dr. Joe Holley, to explore the 1860 sinking of the Lady Elgin on Lake Michigan. Beth’s new book, The Lady Elgin Sinking of 1860, examines a disaster that claimed hundreds of lives and the extraordinary efforts of people determined to help.

Listeners may remember Beth from her previous visits discussing the Charleston earthquake and the Dayton flood. This time, she brings us to the Great Lakes, where a passenger excursion from Milwaukee to Chicago ended in tragedy.

Beth describes how members of Milwaukee’s Union Guards, accompanied by family members and other passengers, traveled to Chicago for a fundraising outing. After a day of activities and sightseeing, they boarded the Lady Elgin for the return trip. During the overnight voyage, the steamer collided with the sailing vessel Augusta in stormy conditions.

As water entered the damaged ship, Captain Jack Wilson and his crew tried desperately to keep it afloat. Beth recounts attempts to plug the breach and the decision to move passengers onto the upper hurricane deck as the situation worsened. When the vessel went down, survivors faced rough water, floating wreckage, and a dangerous journey toward shore.

The rescue effort brought together crew members, nearby residents, and students who responded as news of the sinking reached land. Among them was Edward Spencer, a student at Garrett Biblical Institute, who is credited with rescuing 17 people. Beth also shares Captain Wilson’s efforts to help passengers survive and the account of his death while trying to save a mother and child.

For Jamie, Sam, and Joe, these stories raise questions that remain familiar to disaster responders today. What drives someone to enter danger to help a stranger? How do people find the strength to keep going when the need seems overwhelming? And how do communities come together when an ordinary day becomes a mass-casualty event?

Sam brings her responder’s perspective to a conversation about the human side of disaster. Across generations, the equipment and communication systems change, but the impulse to help remains a powerful part of the response.

Beth also takes us behind the scenes of her research. She discusses tracing the people involved, exploring how news of the wreck spread, and discovering how much of the story had faded from public memory. A visit to Captain Wilson’s hometown helped spark renewed local interest in his life and actions.

This episode offers a look at both a historic maritime tragedy and the people whose choices deserve to be remembered. Listen as Beth shares the story behind her new book and helps us connect the experiences of the Lady Elgin’s passengers and rescuers with the challenges responders face today.

Listen to Beth’s Previous Episode of the Disaster Podcast

Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast.

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

In this episode, we bring back paramedic and professor, Bram Duffee. Bram was previously on the show to discuss the book he co-wrote with Joseph Brigandi, MS, M.Ed., NCC, LPC-S. Psychological Emergency: Communication and Care by First Responders. Unfortunately, Joseph passed away suddenly recently and Bram spends the initial parts of the episode giving tribute to his friend, fellow paramedic, and co-author.

Dr. Joe Holley joins the team and along with co-host, Sam Bradley, talks about the 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and response. Joe responded with a Federal USAR team to the Pentagon attack and Sam was at ground zero in New York with a California DMAT team supporting the responders with medical care after working on the pile at the World Trade Centers sites each day.

The episode also was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Bram explained the Iceberg Effect, which highlights that for every physical casualty in a disaster, there are 4-10 psychological casualties that go unaddressed. He noted that while physical casualties are visible and what incident commanders plan for, the psychological toll represents a much larger underlying issue that can overwhelm systems designed only for physical injuries.

Sam shared her experience with CISM teams during disasters like Katrina, emphasizing how responders often feel they abandon patients who need long-term psychological support rather than quick medical treatment.

The group discussed the importance of first responders’ family preparedness during major incidents, with Jamie emphasizing that having a well-prepared home life allows first responders to better focus on patient care. Bram shared his experience with government versus private company responses to disasters, noting that government agencies typically provide better support for personnel and their families.

Sam contributed by sharing her role in launching critical incident stress management (CISM) in 1996 with American Medical Response in Northern California, which later expanded nationwide.

Bram explained four psychological phases of disaster response: impact, inventory, rescue, and recovery, drawing from CISM principles and Dwight Polk’s work on pre-hospital behavioral emergencies. He described how each phase represents different emotional states and challenges, with the recovery phase often being the most important but least recognized phase that requires sustained attention and resources.

Bram also outlined how psychological triage can be applied by identifying distinct population groups with different needs, including survivors, witnesses, bereaved individuals, and the wider community, each requiring different approaches based on their specific circumstances.

The group discussed the importance of individualized approaches when providing psychological support during disasters, noting that different people require specific treatments based on their unique needs and trauma presentations. Bram emphasized how people in states of fear and shock can be particularly vulnerable to hypnotic trances, highlighting the critical importance of careful communication and word choice by first responders. The discussion also touched on how both victims and their caregivers can exhibit signs of psychological distress during disaster situations.

Bram explained three frameworks – Focus, START, and CALMS – that he created using mnemonics to help with disaster management situations. The Focus framework helps with situational assessment by examining population impact, operational zones, critical phases, urgent needs, and strategy.

START addresses resource allocation, while CALMS provides an interactive approach for individual support. The discussion then shifted to potentially discussing Dr. Joe’s experience at the Pentagon, though the transcript ended before this topic was fully explored.

The group discussed their experiences responding to the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago. Joe described being deployed within hours of the attack and spending 14 days on-site doing search and rescue work, while Sam shared her experience with the federal team providing medical care to firefighters, noting their psychological distress.

The participants discussed how psychological support for first responders has improved significantly over the past 25 years, with more real-time and robust support systems in place. They also reflected on the long-term psychological impacts on responders, with Joe mentioning that some team members still struggle with PTSD, and Bram comparing the experience to dealing with grief.

The meeting was a podcast recording discussing the psychological impact on first responders, particularly focusing on a book written by Bram about communication techniques for handling psych emergencies. Sam shared her experience coordinating supervisor check-ins with hospital staff following a crisis, while Jamie emphasized the importance of remembering historical events for future generations.

The discussion concluded with information about where to find the participants online and announcements about upcoming podcast episodes covering hurricane season and recent events in Hawaii.

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

We have Jérôme Lebleu from the non-profit organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) on the Disaster Podcast weekly episode today. He’s the President and Chief Operating Officer of the disaster response and relief organization. CORE provides immediate response support after a disaster and works to help communities to be self-reliant in the aftermath of a major event.

CORE’s website says their organization is “…powered by a team of relentless optimists.” Founder and Actor Sean Penn says of their mission once boots are on the ground, “We listen, we learn, we act.” Listen to the episode to see how this non-profit puts these core tennets into practice as the team interviews Jérôme.

Click HERE to support CORE’s current efforts in the aftermath of the Venezuela earthquake.

The episode also was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

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Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Jamie and Sam discussed their upcoming interview with Jerome LeBleu, president and CEO of CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), a global emergency response nonprofit founded in 2010 after the Haiti earthquake. Jerome explained that CORE focuses on being agile and local in their crisis response approach, emphasizing the importance of working with local partners and empowering communities affected by disasters.

He shared his background working with the International Organization for Migration in the Dominican Republic, where he worked on addressing human trafficking and protecting Haitian migrants’ rights, and noted how his master’s degree in law and diplomacy has been valuable in his current work dealing with international emergency response.

Jerome explained CORE’s approach to disaster response, emphasizing their Community Powered Response strategy which focuses on rapid deployment, listening to local partners, and acting based on community needs rather than telling communities what to do. He described their long-term commitment to supporting recovery in disadvantaged communities, aiming to help them maximize resources and recover better than before.

Jerome also highlighted the importance of “relentless optimism” in their organization’s work and their aggressive risk appetite when serving underserved populations, noting that greater risk often leads to greater impact for these communities.

Jerome explained the organization’s emergency response process, describing how they convene internal go/no-go meetings to assess crisis situations and determine resource allocation. He detailed their approach to deploying response teams, emphasizing the importance of logistics and building a roster of both domestic and international response personnel. Jerome also outlined their comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness, highlighting their work throughout the disaster life cycle and their implementation of CERT programs in the U.S.

Jerome discussed his organization’s work on disaster mitigation and climate-resilient infrastructure, including programs for cert and physical mitigation works like drainage canals and retaining walls. He explained their approach of working through the entire disaster cycle from response to preparedness and mitigation activities, ensuring long-term resilience in their work. Jerome provided an example of building a berm around a flooded village in Pakistan to prevent future losses during heavy rains.

Jerome outlined CORE’s three main priority areas: emergency response and preparedness, addressing climate change, and improving health access. He explained that while they face resource constraints requiring strategic prioritization, their focus on efficiency and mission alignment helps maximize impact. Jerome noted that while CORE is managing well, the current challenging nonprofit environment presents significant difficulties as needs continue to rise.

Jerome explained Relief Compass, a software platform developed by CORE that allows responding organizations to collaborate and coordinate relief activities in one place, with the goal of improving the survivor experience. He shared an example of its use in Venezuela after an earthquake, where it helped local organizations track donations and distributions in real time. Jamie and Sam expressed appreciation for Jerome’s work and encouraged listeners to support CORE by volunteering or donating at coreresponse.org.

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

This week on the Disaster Podcast we chat with returning guest Seamus Leary ,MPA, CEM. He is President of Meridian Strategic Services, Inc. and is an emergency management expert who worked at the state and local levels and later with FEMA at the Federal level. He was previously on the Disaster Podcast talking about leadership in the midst of catastrophe.

Disaster Podcast Episode – Leading Through Catastrophe with Seamus Leary

In this episode, Seamus comes on to talk about resilience and preparedness for what happens when our plans aren’t enough to manage an ever-evolving situation. In these fluid situations that exceed the parameters of the initial disaster plan, adaptation is key to looking at and assessing the situation on the ground and making decisions based on the best possible knowledge managers have at the time.

Meridian Strategic Services on LinkedIn

Great Blizzard of 1888

The episode also featured Dr. Joe Holley and was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Seamus Leary from Meridian Strategic Services discussed his company’s new “Culture of Resilience” initiative, presenting ten key lessons learned from real-world disaster experiences.

The key points include:

The discussion highlighted the importance of building strong partnerships between diverse organizations during disasters and the need for emergency managers to continuously learn and adapt their approaches.

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

Tonight we have Bram Duffee PhD, EMT-P on to talk about critical incident stress and management of psychological emergency communication. Bram is a paramedic, professor, author, and podcaster. He’s most recently written the book “Psychological Emergency Communication and Care by First Responders” along with Joseph Brigandi, MD, M.Ed., NCC, LPC-S.

You can reach out to Bram at ProfessorBram.com.

The episode included our disaster emergency management expert, Becky DePodwin and was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Bram discussed his recent book “Psychological Emergency Communication and Care by First Responders,” which he co-authored with Joseph Bergondi, a counselor and psychotherapist. Bram shared his background as a 30-year paramedic in Houston and a communications professor at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. The group also discussed Bram’s podcast focused on EMS research and plans to potentially connect Bram with Dr. Joe in the future to discuss research topics.

Sam and Bram discussed a practical guide for navigating psychological emergency situations designed for first responders including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and lifeguards. Bram explained that while first responders receive basic training in psychology, they often lack extensive expertise in this area and tend to categorize patients rather than understanding their underlying issues. The book, co-authored by Bram and Joseph Bergandi, aims to help first responders better communicate with psychological patients by teaching them about these issues while emphasizing that their role is to observe, manage risk, and neutralize situations rather than diagnose.

Bram and Sam discussed the challenges of managing psychiatric emergencies in first responder situations, emphasizing the need for better communication training. Bram highlighted that current national standard curricula lack sufficient focus on psych patient care and suggested increasing training requirements for communication skills in emergency medical services. He also noted the importance of training for police officers and firefighters who often encounter psychiatric emergencies, advocating for the inclusion of communication skills alongside other technical training.

Jamie asked about examples of systems with robust continuing education programs for responders to build communication skills. Bram responded that some systems have psych response teams, including Harris County, Texas, but noted these teams typically aren’t the first line of contact during emergencies, with police officers often being the initial responders.

Bram discussed his approach to psychological first aid, emphasizing the nocebo effect and the importance of using positive language to help traumatic situations. He explained strategies for working with psych patients, including having a single leader, validating patients’ experiences, and leveraging grandiosity. Bram also mentioned his book, which provides tips and phrases for different emergency responders and includes a glossary of psychological conditions aligned with DSM-5 standards.

The discussion focused on naloxone administration in overdose cases, where Bram shared his experience as a paramedic, explaining that not all patients need to be fully revived and there are risks of causing delirium or violence when patients wake up suddenly. Bram discussed responder burnout, attributing it to both personal accountability issues and inadequate management training, particularly highlighting the need for managers to develop proper leadership skills. The group agreed to have Bram return for a future episode to discuss disaster management and large-scale incident response, as this topic was not fully covered in the current conversation.

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

In this episode of the Disaster Podcast, we discuss numerous disaster events that struck around the world in the last week. First is a look at the volcano, Kīlauea, on the island of Hawaii which is showing evidence of a pending eruption due to seismic activity. U.S. Geological scientists on site are monitoring the situation and preparing for potential evacuations once the lava starts flowing.

An earthquake in Columbia this week has left hundreds dead and many more missing still as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Rescue teams from the US and other nearby countries came in to lend aid in the USAR efforts.

Many severe weather events passed through the midwest. Our disaster meteorologist expert, Dan DePodwin wasn’t available on the show this week, but sent in a report on several important events. A derecho with 90+ mph winds tore through parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley on Tuesday. The winds caused 800,000 customers to lose power as thunderstorms with destructive winds moved from eastern Iowa to eastern Kentucky. Derechos are widespread, severe windstorms caused by a line of severe thunderstorms.

Derecho Facts Page

In the U.S. there are 95 large fires ongoing with 3.9 million acres burning from active fires. The majority of the large fires are in Oregon and Washington, east of the Cascades.

There is little relief in site with little to no rain expected over the next few weeks. This is a typically dry time of year but the ongoing drought and recent bouts of windy conditions have made it a particularly intense fire season. The Pacific Northwest starts to get cooler and wetter later in September as they head into the wet season.

In the U.S., this is the worst fire season “year to date” over the last 10 years. The most comparable year to date is 2017 when 6.3 million acres had burned by this point in the year.

National Interagency Fire Center

The episode also featured Dr. Joe Holley and was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

The main discussion focused on recent disaster events, starting with the Kilauea volcano eruption in Hawaii, which lasted nearly 11 hours and followed a previous magnitude 6.0 earthquake in June. The conversation then shifted to a 7.4 earthquake in Western Columbia that resulted in 250 deaths, with 87 people rescued and 28 FEMA task forces deployed, including Virginia Task Force One and DMATs providing medical support.

The group discussed recent natural disasters and emergency responses across multiple regions. Sam reported on Typhoon Dolphin in China, which caused evacuations of 1 million people and a deadly landslide in Chongqing that killed 8 people, along with a coal mine explosion in Shangji that resulted in 90 fatalities.

Joe mentioned that Tennessee experienced localized but significant flash flooding, while Jamie noted that Pennsylvania’s western regions might have been affected by flooding in mountainous areas. The discussion concluded with information about a derecho that hit the Midwest and Ohio valleys, causing winds over 90 mph and power outages affecting 800,000 customers.

The group discussed various natural disasters affecting different regions. Sam reported on wildfires in the US Northwest, noting that 6.4 million acres have burned in 2026, making it the worst fire season in a decade. Joe described recent weather events in Tennessee, including heavy thunderstorms, high winds, and excessive heat with temperatures reaching 110 plus degrees.

The discussion concluded with Sam providing details about Tropical Storm Layla approaching Hawaii, which could bring up to a foot of rain, flash flooding, wind gusts of 60-80 miles per hour, and potential storm surge.

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

ER Doctor and toxicologist Peter Akpunonu from the Kentucky Poison Control Center joins us on the show this week. He’s also joined by Tim Conley from MedGlobal. We talk about the unique challenges seen during disasters when there is a need to contact poison control centers. Poison Centers are 24/7/365 emergency hotlines. 70% of the people who call poison control centers are able to be managed and advised so they can remain at home. This results in a huge savings in needless healthcare costs.

Previous Disaster Podcast Episode on Med Global with Tim Conley

The episode was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Jamie and Sam welcomed Peter Akapanu, an ER doctor and toxicologist who runs Kentucky’s Poison Control Center, as a guest. The conversation briefly touched on weather conditions in different regions and introduced Tim Conley, from MedGlobal.

Peter discussed common unintentional poisonings, including children accessing medications at home and seasonal mushroom and plant exposures. He explained that poison control centers serve as a 24/7 medical lifeline staffed by toxicologists, pharmacists, and nurses who provide treatment recommendations to keep people out of emergency rooms and save healthcare costs. Peter highlighted the centers’ capabilities in disaster scenarios, where they can scale operations and assist first responders with triage and guidance.

The discussion focused on poison control procedures and protocols for first responders. Peter explained that while he can provide guidance and recommendations, he cannot give medical orders, and emphasized that field providers should first treat the patient in front of them with symptomatic and supportive care.

Jamie shared that in Maryland, the poison center is integrated into the med radio system and can be accessed alongside medical direction, though they cannot issue orders either. The conversation highlighted how toxicologists like Peter can provide valuable guidance over the phone, including information about chemical properties, severe effects, and necessary protections, though they must communicate one step at a time and focus on basic recommendations.

Sam and Peter discussed the importance of field providers gaining information about potential poisoning situations to take appropriate precautions. They shared experiences about unknown toxic exposures, including Sam’s story about a patient who had ingested Jimson weed. Peter emphasized the need for providers to maintain situational awareness and trust their instincts when dealing with altered mental status cases, suggesting that poison control should be considered early in the differential diagnosis process.

The group discussed what responders have available in ambulances for treating poisonings, with Peter confirming that most necessary treatments involve medications already carried by emergency services. Sam and Peter discussed how toxicologists use the principle that “the difference between poison and cure is a dose” when treating various poisonings. Jamie shifted the discussion to how poison centers adapt their response during major disasters like hurricanes, flooding, or chemical releases, though this portion of the conversation was cut off in the transcript.

Peter explained how poison centers operate as 24/7 public health services that report data to the National Poison Data System every 7 minutes, which helps identify patterns and anomalies across the country. He described the collaborative network of poison centers that can provide mutual assistance during large events or disasters, with centers able to track and follow up on cases across different states.

Peter also detailed specific disaster-related issues, noting that while tornadoes cause trauma concerns, poison center problems typically arise from utility disruptions leading to carbon monoxide exposures from generators and potential mold issues after floods.

Peter explained that while poison centers don’t typically handle disasters directly, they can provide essential support during emergencies like sewage line disruptions, floods, and snake bites. He described how poison centers can help determine treatment needs, provide antidote guidance, and coordinate with hospitals across the state 24/7.

Peter also clarified that the national hotline number 1-800-222-1222 routes calls to local poison centers based on area codes, and during overwhelming situations, calls can be automatically routed to other states through their IT infrastructure.

The meeting focused on preventing poisonings, with Peter providing general advice including keeping cleaning supplies locked up, properly labeled, and out of reach of children, and using pill minders effectively. The group discussed where listeners could find them online, with Peter providing his email address and Tim mentioning his new position with MedGlobal.

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!

Disaster Meteorologist Dan DePodwin joins us again today on the show. We look at recent severe weather impacts on the U.S. including Tropical Storm Bertha skirting the gulf coast of the United States. Bertha had two landfall impacts with most of the issues caused due to flooding inland and local storm surge on the coast.

The episode was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

The meeting focused on Tropical Storm Bertha, which has been downgraded to a tropical depression. Dan explained that while the storm caused some flooding and storm surge in Louisiana and Texas, its overall impact would likely be minimal and short-lived. He noted that Bertha’s unusual westward movement into Mexico rather than eastward was due to wind shear, and that the storm would not significantly impact the northeastern United States over the weekend.

Dan discussed weather conditions in the western United States, highlighting the risks of flash flooding from heavy thunderstorms in mountainous regions like Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. He explained that even small amounts of rain can quickly cause dangerous flash floods due to the terrain’s rapid channeling of water through rivers, creeks, and dry washes. Dan recommended using NOAA Weather Radio for alerts in remote areas without cell service and advised starting outdoor activities early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Dan and Sam discussed the risks of flash flooding in low-lying areas during summer, particularly referencing a tragic flood at Camp Mystic in Texas that killed over 100 people. Dan explained that while overall precipitation may not have increased significantly, heavy rain events are becoming more intense due to climate change, which causes more flash flooding.

The discussion covered practical flood preparedness measures, including checking FEMA maps for flood zones, considering insurance, and creating drainage solutions, with Dan sharing an example of Becky clearing a clogged street drain during a recent storm.

Dan discussed the current heat wave affecting the western United States, particularly the desert southwest, with Phoenix expected to reach 110 degrees. He advised people to stay hydrated, seek shade, and do outdoor activities early in the day to avoid the dangerous heat.

The discussion also covered hurricane preparedness, with Dan explaining that people in hurricane-prone areas should consider evacuation plans and have emergency supplies ready, noting that hurricanes typically provide advance warning unlike flash floods. Regarding tornado safety, Dan advised having a way to receive warnings and knowing where to go for shelter, particularly recommending interior basement locations if available.

The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!