Disaster Podcast

By Jamie Davis, Sam Bradley, Joe Holley, Kyle NelsonScience Medicine Health & Fitness Life Sciences Nature

Disaster Podcast episodes

April 05, 2025 Bright Harbor On Recovery After Disasters
Gavin Blair, COO of Bright Harbor, joins the rest of the podcast team tonight. He discusses the unique challenges people face in the aftermath of disaster. Whether it's knowing the best way to file with your insurance company, or how to navigate the FEMA bureaucracy, having an advocate in your corner can be a game-changer.
36 min
March 14, 2025 Ready Northwest Builds Disaster Resilient Businesses
Edward Coulson from Ready Northwest returns to the Disaster Podcast to share ways businesses can build resiliency plans for disasters and major adverse events. Often overlooked in the community resilience discussion, local and regional businesses are anchors for the financial well being of a community. Including them while planning drills and events can improve the overall community response to a disaster.
44 min
March 08, 2025 Telling the Stories of Historical Disasters with Beth Livingston
Author Beth Livingston joins the team in this episode to share her accounts of two past disasters here in the United States. First she recounts the personal stories of resilience in The Dayton Flood of 1913. Then she tells the stories of the survivors of The Charleston Earthquake of 1886.
47 min
February 28, 2025 Management of USAR Entrapped Trauma Patients
In this episode we look at the variable patient presentations USAR docs and paramedics encounter when rescuing individuals from a collapsed structure. Joe points out that these patients vary based on the amount of time that has passed since the initial disaster situation. If you're responding to the early hours after a collapse, your approach is more immediate life threats such as hemorrhage management or opening and maintaining an airway.
38 min
February 21, 2025 Dr. Joe Holley on Training and Recent EMS Conferences
Dr. Joe Holley comes back after being off the show for a few months due to extensive travel for training and conference attendance. We discuss the inflow of respiratory illness to our nation's hospitals and the difficulties finding rooms and beds for patients who need them.
34 min
February 07, 2025 Major Event Planning During Winter XGames with Kyle Nelson
Kyle Nelson, our disaster meteorologist and ski patroller, joins us this week in his role as Planning Section Chief with the Winter XGames Aspen Incident Management Team. He shares his experiences planning and helping with operations for medical and response management during the games this year.
44 min
February 02, 2025 Investigating Airline Disasters with Edward Colson of Ready Northwest
This week on the Disaster Podcast we look at some of the root causes of airline crash disasters and what kinds of things pilots do to avoid midair collisions. Becky DePodwin helped us bring in an Emergency Management colleague, Edward Colson. He's a former commercial helicopter pilot, currently and emergency manager and owner of a consulting firm, Ready Northwest.
45 min
January 24, 2025 Exploring the Future of Wildfire Research with NHERI: This Week on the Disaster Podcast
Welcome back to the Disaster Podcast, your go-to resource for medical professionals, first responders, and disaster rescue experts. This week’s episode features a returning guest, Dan Zehner, from the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI), alongside our cohosts Sam Bradley (retired firefighter and paramedic) and Jamie Davis (nurse and retired paramedic).
Together, they dive into the critical role of NHERI in understanding and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters—and its exciting potential for wildfire research in the future.
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
Understanding NHERI’s Mission and Expansion into Wildfire Research
NHERI, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, has spent years advancing our understanding of natural hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and coastal phenomena. As Dan shares, NHERI is now preparing for its next chapter: applying its methodologies to wildfire research, particularly in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). This shift is informed by a groundbreaking NSF study that identified the need for a dedicated facility to tackle wildfire challenges on a scale comparable to NHERI’s work with hurricanes and earthquakes.
The NHERI Approach: Building Resilient Infrastructure
Dan and Sam explore how NHERI’s proven methods—examining hazards, structural response, and the building envelope—can be adapted for wildfire scenarios. This approach aligns closely with the work of organizations like the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), which also studies structural resilience. The team emphasizes that stronger, science-backed building guidelines can help homes withstand wildfires while also addressing concerns like insurance coverage for homes in high-risk zones.
Key takeaway: Homeowners and builders must carefully weigh the risks of building in fire-prone areas and incorporate non-combustible zones around structures to increase survivability.
The Role of Data and Technology in Wildfire Preparedness
Wildfire research hinges on robust data collection and analysis. Dan describes how advanced tools like fixed-wing aircraft, drones, and LiDAR technology are used to scan wildfire-affected areas for critical insights into vegetation, topography, and structural materials. These data sets not only inform landslide-prone areas post-fire but also enhance community preparedness.
The conversation underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. NHERI’s Technology Transfer Committee plays a vital role in ensuring research findings are shared with key stakeholders like practitioners and insurance companies. This open channel fosters practical, real-world applications of cutting-edge science.
The Human Element: Community Resilience and Education
Jamie highlights the concept of community resilience, discussing how NHERI’s research can empower communities to recover faster and better after disasters. Dan also shares a personal passion: engaging kids in science. By bringing his daughters to NHERI’s wave tank at Oregon State University, Dan emphasizes the importance of hands-on education in sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of disaster researchers.
The team reflects on how tools like wave tanks and wildfire models can not only inform research but also serve as educational and community outreach platforms.
How to Stay Connected with NHERI and Wildfire Research
Dan wraps up the episode by pointing listeners to several valuable resources for wildfire research and community preparedness:
•Public data sets: Explore open resources on everything from community readiness to housing recovery post-wildfire.
•NHERI Science Plan: A comprehensive roadmap outlining the next five years of research priorities.
•Decadal Visioning Study: A glimpse into the research community’s goals for the next decade.
•Design Safe Slack Channel: Join the conversation and connect with researchers in real-time.
This week’s episode provides a deep dive into the future of wildfire research and its critical role in creating resilient communities. Be sure to listen in to learn how NHERI’s cutting-edge science is bridging the gap between natural hazards research and practical solutions.
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!
36 min
January 10, 2025 California Wildfires and Disaster Messaging
On this week’s episode, Dan DePodwin joins us to discuss the unique weather implications surrounding the widespread wildfires hitting the Los Angeles area this week. We discuss Santa Ana winds and the source in the mountain deserts around the Four Corners region of the Southwest.
Then co-hosts Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis look at wildfire preparedness, emergency evacuation on a moment’s notice, and the need for a go bag. When the orders to leave come in, we all need to have a list of needed items and supplies for a quick bug out from our homes. This includes everything we need for our pets, medications, and a supply of water and food in cast we’re away for an extended period of time.
Cal Fire Preparedness Page
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
Upcoming Weather Events and Wildfires
Jamie, Sam, and Dan discuss upcoming weather events and wildfires. Sam mentions that they have snow but no fire, which is a good thing. The three hosts plan to talk about wildfire scenarios and preparedness, but also touch on other weather topics. Sam asks Dan if there is anything notable in the upcoming weather outlook for the next week or so.
La Nina’s Impact on Wildfires Discussed
Dan discussed the ongoing cold weather in the Eastern United States and the snow and ice storm from Texas through Oklahoma and Arkansas. He also mentioned the potential for a disruptive snow event in the southeast and Ohio Valley. Jamie confirmed that Maryland would experience snow from the same storm system.
Sam and Jamie discussed the arrival of La Nina, which is expected to have an impact on the wildland fire situation in Southern California. They noted that the fires have already caused significant damage, with 6 deaths, over 6,000 structures burned, and 180,000 residents under evacuation orders. The fires have the potential to be the costliest wildland fire in American history and the most destructive fire in L.A. history.
Los Angeles Wildfires and Air Quality
Sam and Dan discussed the severe air quality situation in the Los Angeles area due to the ongoing wildfires. They noted that the air quality was unhealthy, with a rating of 173, and that the smoke and ash had contaminated water supplies, leading to boiling restrictions in some areas. Dan emphasized that the poor air quality could cause significant side effects, even for healthy individuals, and that it was not just a local issue but affected a vast stretch of Southern California. Jamie shared a personal experience of friends evacuating their homes due to poor air quality, despite not being under evacuation orders. The conversation concluded with Dan explaining that the fire weather was expected to continue, with the wind event being a rare occurrence that significantly increased the risk of fire spread.
Southern California Wind Situation Discussed
Dan discussed the ongoing wind situation in Southern California, noting that while the winds were expected to die down, there could be an increase in gustiness in the coming days. He also mentioned the potential for another round of strong winds next week. Sam shared her familiarity with Santa Ana winds, which can gust between 70 and 100 miles per hour.
Jamie highlighted the unique challenges posed by the Wildland/urban interface, where homes burn, releasing toxic fumes into the air and water supply. Dan agreed, noting the increasing concern with fires spreading from wildland areas to urban or suburban areas. The group also discussed the unusual timing of the current fires, which typically occur in the fall but are happening in the early part of the year due to a year and a half of wetter than average conditions followed by no rain. Sam added that there have been 60,000 fires since 2001, with the fastest growing ones causing more destruction than the slower, larger blazes.
Challenges in Wildfire Evacuation Procedures
Sam, Jamie, and Dan discussed the challenges faced during the wildfires in La County. They highlighted the lack of information about evacuation procedures and the difficulty in evacuating people due to the speed of the fires and the limited number of roads. Jamie mentioned that the La Fire Department and Cal Fire had to clear abandoned cars from the roads to allow fire vehicles to access the fires. Dan noted the erratic fire behavior caused by the winds and the difficulty in proactively evacuating areas. The team agreed that managing such emergencies is a complex task, especially in rapidly evolving situations.
Preparing for Wildfires and Evacuations
Jamie and Sam discussed the challenges faced during the recent wildfires, particularly the erratic spread of fires and the difficulty in evacuating due to limited access routes. They emphasized the importance of planning and preparation for such events, including creating a Wildland Action Plan, clearing brush around homes, and signing up for text alerts about wildfires. Dan agreed with their points, adding that having a plan and packing essentials in advance can be crucial during significant fire events.
Emergency Preparedness Kit Discussion
In the meeting, Sam and Dan discussed the importance of having a preparedness kit in the car in case of emergencies such as wildfires. They emphasized the need for items like medications, extra glasses, and important documents. Jamie added that having a checklist and knowing where to find everything quickly is crucial.
They also discussed the importance of having a communication plan with family members, especially during emergencies when phone lines and cell towers may be down. Sam mentioned the 6 P’s of evacuation, which include people, pets, papers, phone numbers, papers and important documents, and personal items. Dan agreed that these tips are applicable to various hazards, not just wildfires. Jamie recommended checking the Cal fire site for more information and resources.
36 min
January 04, 2025 2024 on the Disaster Podcast Episode Retrospective
Our amazing Disaster Podcast team got together this week to share their favorite episodes from 2024. We covered a lot of topics and disaster responses over the previous year but there were a few standouts for each of us.
Becky shared her picks first. She loved our annual “Stump Dan with obscure weather terms” episode. She also mentioned our mental health for first responders episode featuring Dr. Genie Burnett. There was the episode on a Dulles Airport mass casualty drill that Becky and Dan participated in as patients. Her last pick featured Dan Zehner from NHERI who talked about disaster resilient construction and wildfires.
Dan seconded several of the same episodes as Becky did. He also added in the episode we did on the basis of the long term hurricane forecasts. We talked about how forecasters try to nail down the approaching hurricane season months ahead of time each year.
Kyle put the Colorado Avalanche Rescue Dog Training episode at the top of his list. Who could fault him. The dog in question, Ruby, is a cutie. He also mentioned the episode Dr. Joe headed up on the fallout from the Elijah McClain homicide trial where two EMS providers were found guilty in the patient’s death.
Kyle and Jamie both recommended our report from the field with Dr. Joe Holley on the North Carolina Hurricane Helene response and follow up. Dr. Joe also mentioned our ongoing reports from organizations working to assist Ukrainian medical professionals in their efforts to take care of patients. The first episode was on Med Global’s Ukraine Mission. Our other episode for Ukraine response was on educating nurses and doctors in Ukraine with IDMC volunteers.
Jamie added the episodes on Geohazard Mitigation. The first featured a look at one company’s efforts to support critical infrastructure when endangered by soil erosion and mudslides. He specifically liked their Soil Nail Launcher technology. There was also the follow-up episode with Dan Zehner that looked at NHERI’s research on geohazard mitigation.
Finally, co-host Sam Bradley shared her picks. Her first was the Bullets and Bandaids project episode. She also recommended the episode on Connecting Public-Private Sector Partnerships with Healthcare Ready.
And, it wouldn’t be a Disaster Podcast retrospective if we didn’t remember our all-time favorite and quirky episode. Dr. Joe’s now famous discussion on why a foley catheter was a must-have piece of survival gear to have in one’s kit.
This 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.
Thanks for your support in listening to the show. Don’t forget to subscribe using the links above near the audio player on this page or in the sidebar to the right.
41 min