Disaster Podcast

Jamie Davis, Sam Bradley, Joe Holley, Kyle Nelson
  • 4.4 (26)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

For Emergency Responders at All Levels

  1. 1d ago

    How CORE Responds to Build Resilience Following Disasters

    Jérôme Lebleu, COO of CORE 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. 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 Interview with Jerome LeBleu 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. Community Powered Disaster Response Strategy 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. Emergency Response Process Overview 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. Disaster Mitigation and Resilient Infrastructure 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. CORE Priority Areas and Challenges 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. Relief Compass Software Platform 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. Wrap up and updates 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!

  2. Aug 28

    Seamus Leary and Building Organizational Disaster Resilience

    Seamus Leary, MPA, CEM 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 Culture of Resilience Initiative 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: plans aren’t enough when disasters outpace them leadership sets the tone for preparedness people are the difference when empowered to make decisions communication creates clarity partnerships drive strength real-time decision making is crucial adaptability is essential trust is earned through transparency after-action reports should distinguish between lessons observed and lessons learned resilience is a choice that requires honest risk assessment and resource-constrained planning 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. Wrap up and updates 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!

  3. Aug 21

    Psychological Emergency Communication and Management with Bram Duffee

    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 Psychological Emergency Communication Book Discussion 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. Psychological Emergency Response Guide 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. Psychiatric Emergency Response Training 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. Continuing Education Programs for Responders 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. Psychological First Aid Strategies 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. Naloxone Administration and Responder Burnout 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. Wrap up and updates 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!

  4. Aug 14

    Weather Disasters Around the World This Week

    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 Recent Disaster Events Discussion 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. Global Natural Disaster Response Updates 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. Natural Disasters Global Update 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. Wrap up and updates 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!

  5. Aug 7

    Disaster Response and Poison Control Centers with Dr. Peter Akpunonu

    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 Disaster Podcast Episode Planning 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. Poison Control Center Functions 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. Poison Control Protocols for First Responders 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. Poisoning Situations and Provider Awareness 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. Poison Treatment and Response Strategies 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. Poison Centers in Disaster Response 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. Poison Center Emergency Support Role 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. Poisoning Prevention Advice Meeting 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. Wrap up and updates 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!

  6. Jul 24

    Tropical Storm Bertha Causes Flooding

    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 Tropical Storm Bertha Update 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. Western US Flash Flood Risks 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. Flash Flooding Risk and Preparedness 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. Heat and Storm Safety Guidance 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. Wrap up and updates 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!

  7. Jul 10

    MedGlobal International Response Update with Tim Conley

    Tim Conley joins us on the Disaster podcast this week to look at the international response to two concurrent disasters. In his role and Chairman of the Board with Med Global and as a co-founder of Interstate Disaster Medical Collaborative (IDMC), Tim discusses how these organizations are working to help manage the Ebola outbreak response in Africa while they simultaneously send teams to assist with medical care of victims following the earthquakes in Venezuela. Previous Disaster Podcast Episode on Med Global in Ukraine MedGlobal provides free, sustainable healthcare services to refugees, displaced persons, and other vulnerable communities in crisis areas and low-resource settings worldwide. They deploy healthcare volunteers, support local medical teams and humanitarian partners with training, funding, and technology, and donate medical equipment, medications and supplies. 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 New Board Chair Introduction Meeting Sam introduced Tim Conley as the new chair of the board and vice president of MedGlobal, explaining how they first connected in 2006 when Sam was building a disaster team for California and sought Tim’s expertise from the Illinois team. Tim described his current roles as an emergency management supervisor for Mercy Health and his work with MedGlobal’s emergency management and chemical weapons programs, noting his ongoing liaison with IDMC which he helped found. The discussion focused on MedGlobal’s current global healthcare initiatives, including responses in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Colombia, and other locations, as well as their work in Ebola and Venezuela responses. MedGlobal Healthcare Mission Discussion Sam discussed MedGlobal’s mission of providing free sustainable healthcare to refugees and vulnerable communities through deploying healthcare volunteers and building resilient healthcare systems. Tim explained that his role in emergency management involves providing tools and systems to healthcare providers so they can effectively respond to emergencies, noting that while the concept is simple in description, it’s more complex in practice. The discussion highlighted MedGlobal’s international training programs, including chemical weapons response and surgical techniques, with examples from Ukraine, Gaza, and Bangladesh. International Medical Logistics Coordination Tim discussed the logistical challenges of working with international medical communities, noting that physical movement of materials and coordinating with local partners and governments are the main hurdles, especially in countries like Ukraine, Ebola outbreak regions, and Venezuela. He explained that working with organizations like WHO is crucial for navigating local regulations and ensuring proper distribution of PPE and training programs that align with local practices and WHO recommendations. International Medical Aid Challenges The discussion focused on the challenges of providing medical equipment and training in international aid situations. Sam shared an example from Ukraine where outdated equipment was sent without proper training, leading to the equipment being unused. Jamie asked about balancing access to modern technology with local healthcare system capabilities, to which Zoom responded that it’s crucial to assess what the local system can sustain long-term, noting that healthcare systems often excel in some areas while lacking in others. Ebola Response in Ukraine Challenges The discussion focused on the challenges of responding to the Ebola outbreak in Ukraine, with participants noting the complex logistics due to the strain of the virus, detection difficulties, and ongoing conflicts in the region. Tim explained that Med Global is working with the WHO to determine the best locations for setting up training programs, considering factors like responder fatigue and logistical access. The conversation highlighted the importance of addressing both physical and mental health challenges for first responders, with participants acknowledging the long-term emotional toll of working in dangerous environments with limited PPE and family support. Volunteer Disaster Preparedness Training Challenges Tim discussed the challenges of preparing volunteers for different disaster scenarios, noting that while MedGlobal staff and volunteers receive training from healthcare professionals and emergency managers, there is no single recipe for mental preparation due to varying dangers like Ebola outbreaks, local conflicts, and natural disasters. Tim emphasized the importance of proper training, including PPE use and safety protocols, and mentioned specific examples like emergency management volunteers providing safety training in Venezuela after an earthquake. The discussion concluded with Sam considering the situation of federal employees eager to join USAR and DMAT teams but waiting for disaster deployments. Venezuela Earthquake Relief Efforts Tim explained their earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, describing how they are working with NGOs and local authorities through advanced teams that are conducting assessments and establishing logistics for medical supplies and patient care. The discussion highlighted the challenges of accessing the country and the importance of planning for needs 2-3 weeks ahead rather than immediate requirements. Sam noted similarities to their previous experience with Ukraine relief efforts, mentioning concerns about distribution, security, and implementation logistics. Venezuela Earthquake Disaster Response The group discussed the situation in Venezuela following an earthquake, with Jamie reporting that official death tolls are likely underreported, with estimates ranging from 3,700 to potentially 10,000 or more deaths. Tim highlighted the dedication of disaster response teams, including medical professionals and volunteers, who willingly enter dangerous areas to help others despite personal risks. The conversation also covered the collapsed chronic disease care system in Gaza, where healthcare infrastructure has been destroyed, leading to significant problems with untreated medical conditions. Wrap up and updates 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!

  8. Jun 26

    Health Tech Without Borders with Dr. Tehnaz Boyle

    On this week’s episode of the Disaster Podcast, we chat with Dr. Tehnaz Boyle. Dr. Boyle is a pediatric emergency physician and a scientist who studies how to use technology to bring expert care to disaster situations remotely. She works with Health Tech Without Borders who we talked about three years ago on the show related to their work during the early days of the Ukraine war. Previous Disaster Podcast Episode on Health Tech Without Borders Health Tech Without Borders is a global non-profit organization aiming to mitigate healthcare crises by leveraging digital tools and technology to provide immediate access to health resources. They work in disaster and war torn areas of the world to bring medical and health expertise. ASPR Telemedicine Program Site The episode was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis and they were joined by Disaster Emergency Management expert Becky DePodwin. 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 Global Earthquake Response Discussion The team discussed recent earthquake events, including a 7.2 magnitude earthquake followed by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Venezuela, along with additional earthquakes in Northern California and Japan. Becky explained that the back-to-back high-magnitude quakes in Venezuela would likely worsen the already devastating impact, with many older structures built in the 1950s and 1960s failing to meet modern earthquake safety standards. The discussion highlighted that USAID’s traditional role in international disaster response is no longer available, creating a gap in global disaster relief efforts. The team planned to have a more detailed discussion about the Venezuela situation in next week’s episode, including updates on response efforts from organizations like Med Global and Health Tech Without Borders. Health Tech Without Borders Overview Tehnaz, an associate professor and pediatric emergency medicine physician at Boston Medical Center, explained Health Tech Without Borders, a nonprofit that uses digital tools to provide access to medical care during humanitarian emergencies. She described their work in Ukraine, where they partnered with local providers and international clinicians to deliver telehealth services to displaced populations. Tehnaz also discussed the organization’s role as an innovative hub connecting companies with medical experts, and highlighted the potential for AI and satellite communications to enhance their capabilities in providing remote care. Telehealth Applications and Remote Monitoring Tehnaz explained various telehealth applications including digital consultations, remote patient monitoring, and digital therapeutics, using examples from Ukraine and burn care centers in the US. She described how remote monitoring could allow patients to receive care at home instead of in long-term facilities, particularly benefiting those in healthcare deserts and rural areas. When asked about connected medical equipment, Tehnaz noted that while many devices can connect to networks, not all collected data is necessarily helpful or interpretable, requiring research to determine useful signals from noise. Telehealth in Crisis Response Tehnaz discussed Health Tech Without Borders’ work in providing telehealth services and training for clinicians in crisis areas, including Ukraine. She explained the challenges of licensing and governance barriers for remote clinicians, particularly across different jurisdictions. Tehnaz highlighted ongoing research into streamlining these barriers and developing AI tools to enhance telehealth capabilities, including potential applications for pediatric patients. The group expressed interest in having Tehnaz and Jerone return for future discussions about disaster response and telemedicine deployment. Wrap up and updates 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!

See All (50)

4.4
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

For Emergency Responders at All Levels

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Davis, Sam Bradley, Joe Holley, Kyle Nelson
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MedicCast Productions, LLC
  • Show Website
    Disaster Podcast