Episodes

  • Disaster Podcast 2025 Year In Review

    Disaster Podcast 2025 Year In Review
    Jan 11 2026

    We gather our podcast regulars for a look at the past year on the show with our 2025 Disaster Podcast year in review. Dr. Joe Holley joined co-hosts Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis for this episode. Kyle Nelson, Becky DePodwin, and Dan DePodwin sent in their top episode picks by email.

    Joe Holley kicks off the look back at last year with a vote for the clinical topics, especially the recent 5-episode run on head-up CPR during sudden cardiac arrest. We assembled a special page for the head up CPR topic with all 5 episodes listed.

    Joe also discussed the importance of understanding how research works and not to get caught up in a single social media post on a novel subject without really understanding the context amidst other research. His final choice was the look at K9 and USAR dog training with Kimberly Holley. Kimberly has extensive training alongside her two trained USAR dogs and the third dog she has in training.

    Kyle talked about the episode with the Combat Midwife, Jessica Arno. This was an in-depth look at maternal and pediatric disaster care. In addition, Stump Dan the weatherman was another favorite episode as host Sam Bradley used the internet to come up with some novel weather terms and try to stump our own Dan DePodwin. These episodes are an annual favorite as Dan has an amazing understanding of weather, especially winter weather.

    Investigating airline disasters with Edward Colson of Ready Northwest was one of Becky DePodwin’s favorites as we delved into aviation industry disaster planning. She also put in her vote for the Stump the weatherman episode linked above.

    Jamie added the annual look at the Winter X-Games in Aspen. Our own Kyle Nelson worked as Planning Section Chief for the incident management team before and during the event this past year and shared some of the challenges they faced making such an event as safe as possible.

    We covered many other excellent topics this past year. If you have a different favorite from the ones listed in this episode retrospective, leave your answer in the comments below.

    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.

    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!
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    39 mins
  • Most Recent Clinical Research — Elevated CPR Discussion Part 5

    Most Recent Clinical Research — Elevated CPR Discussion Part 5
    Dec 12 2025
    Kurt Bramer from Advanced CPR Solutions comes back for a final look at Head-Up CPR as we pull all the pieces from the earlier four episodes together. Dr. Joe Holley is back to bring in the latest research into the process as well. We will tie all this back to the global health disaster that is sudden cardiac arrest. Recent research from across the emergency medical community has pointed to impressive improvements in both return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) as well as survival to discharge and neurologically intact survival when compared to conventional supine CPR performance. We’ll have links below to some of those studies and papers. Research Bibliography for Head-Up CPR Studies The episode is co-hosted again by our regular hosts, Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis. Elevated CPR Series Episode One Elevated CPR Series Episode Two Elevated CPR Series Episode Three Elevated CPR Series Episode Four CARES Registry for Cardiac Arrest Stats Follow up on more of these segments as we continue to look at the current research trends in future episodes and what is on the horizon for the future. 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 Head-Up CPR Research Update Jamie and Sam discussed the upcoming podcast episode, which will focus on wrapping up the last four episodes about head-up CPR and recent research. They mentioned the challenges of implementing new approaches in rural systems with volunteer staff. Sam noted that Dr. Joe and Kurt Bramer have been working on presenting the information in a way that can be applied responsibly. Joe briefly mentioned that SENA teams were activated to assist with floods in Seattle. The main focus of the episode will be on the latest data on head-up CPR, including improved physiology, survival rates, and neurological function, particularly for non-shockable rhythms like asystole. Advantages of Head-Up CPR Studies Sam, Kurt, and Joe discussed the significance of two seminal studies on head-up CPR. The 2016 preclinical animal study showed significant improvement in perfusion when compared to standard CPR, with a synergistic effect when using additional devices like the ITD and suction cup. The 2022 independent registry analysis demonstrated that head-up CPR resulted in a five times greater likelihood of neurologically intact survival compared to conventional CPR, even up to 20 minutes post-cardiac arrest. Joe explained that the bundled care approach for cardiac arrest patients involves multiple components, including appropriate ventilation, high-quality CPR, and post-resuscitation care, all of which contribute to improved outcomes. Bystander CPR System Implementation The discussion focused on the importance of proper implementation of bystander CPR, AEDs, and advanced techniques like impedance threshold devices and suction cup CPR to improve patient outcomes, particularly neurologic ones. Kurt emphasized the need for a system-wide approach, from first responders to hospital care, highlighting successful partnerships like Louisville’s, where continuity of care is prioritized. Jamie inquired about best practices for implementing this system-wide approach, to which Kurt responded with examples from different regions, noting that while ideal partnerships exist, proactive agencies can still achieve good outcomes even with less supportive hospitals. Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Bundle Implementation The team discussed the importance of addressing multiple aspects of cardiac arrest resuscitation simultaneously, as highlighted by Joe, who emphasized that successful outcomes require implementing all elements of the care bundle equally. Jamie inquired about training approaches, to which Joe responded that effective training involves both initial instruction and ongoing feedback through quality improvement processes, stressing that successful resuscitations require adherence to the entire bundle rather than just some components. Prioritizing Tasks in Resuscitation Joe and Kurt discussed the importance of prioritizing tasks during resuscitation, emphasizing the need to focus on the overall process rather than individual steps. They highlighted the benefits of the Head-Up CPR model, which organizes priorities and reduces chaos during medical emergencies. Kurt explained that this method allows for more efficient and coordinated delivery of therapies, leading to better patient outcomes. Head-Up CPR Survival Benefits The group discussed two significant studies on CPR techniques. Kurt presented findings from a 2023 preclinical study showing that early administration of head-up CPR resulted in a 40% 24-hour survival rate compared to 9%...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Science and Physiology of Head-up CPR – Elevated CPR Discussion Part 4

    The Science and Physiology of Head-up CPR – Elevated CPR Discussion Part 4
    Dec 6 2025
    Kurt Bramer from Advanced CPR Solutions returns again this week to continue the series on Head-Up CPR and other promising sudden cardiac arrest treatments. There are three previous episodes in this series. Elevated CPR Series Episode One Elevated CPR Series Episode Two Elevated CPR Series Episode Three Elevated CPR Series Episode Five After the severe weather update from disaster meteorologist Dan DePodwin, the Disaster Podcast team focuses on the science and physiology of Head-Up CPR. They ask why this approach provides for better protection of neurological function during a cardiac arrest. Dr. Joe Holley does an excellent job of describing the specific concepts of pressure gradients in blood flow to and from the heart during CPR in various patient positions. Kurt outlines what he calls the Four Rules of Head-Up CPR that are essential components for successful resuscitation during cardiac arrest treatment. These rules come from Dr. Joanna Moore’s Editorial The Do’s and Don’ts of Head Up CPR: 1) Use of Suction Cup CPR and an ITD 2) A Priming Period is Needed 3) Cannot Lift the Patient Too High 4) You Cannot Lift the Patient Too Quickly CARES Registry for Cardiac Arrest Stats Follow up on more of these segments as we continue to look at the current research trends in future episodes and what is on the horizon for the future. 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 Episode Opening segment and Weather update The meeting began with a discussion about travel weather for the country and record cold in many parts of the upper midwest and northeast with Dan DePodwin. The group then transitioned to their main topic, the physiology of CPR, with Dr. Joe Holley focusing our attention on the specific anatomy and process inside the body during CPR. Head-Up CPR Techniques Discussed Kurt and Joe discussed the importance of adhering to the “four rules” of head-up CPR, which were derived from a published editorial by Dr. Moore. They emphasized that studies showing no improved outcomes often violate these rules, highlighting the significance of proper technique. Jamie Davis, the host of the Disaster Podcast, introduced the episode, which would focus on the science and physiology of elevated CPR, while Sam and Dan briefly discussed the early winter weather conditions across the United States. Head-Up CPR Research Advances The discussion focused on head-up CPR, a novel research advancement in resuscitation aimed at improving neurologic survival. Kurt explained its origins, highlighting a case study involving a ski hill cardiac arrest patient who survived due to an elevated head position, which was later recognized as a critical factor. The conversation also touched on a study conducted in South Korea, where researchers developed a modified EMS stretcher to accommodate patients in high-rise buildings with small elevators, leading to the question of the optimal CPR position. Initial findings from animal studies suggested that a head-up position could reduce intracranial pressure, potentially improving outcomes during CPR. CPR Physiology and Blood Flow Joe explained the physiology of CPR, focusing on how differences in pressure inside the body create blood flow. He described how chest compressions increase intrathoracic pressure, pushing blood towards the brain and other areas of lower pressure. He emphasized that over-ventilation and incomplete chest recoil can be detrimental during CPR, as they prevent blood from flowing back into the heart. He also noted that patients who exhibit “guppy breathing” during resuscitation have a better chance of successful resuscitation. CPR Vacuum Technology and Physiology Joe explained the physiology of blood flow during CPR, focusing on the importance of preload and the manipulation of pressure differences between the thoracic cavity and the brain. He described how the ITD16 device creates a vacuum in the chest to enhance blood flow to the brain and reduce intracranial pressure. Joe also discussed the concept of “head-up CPR,” which combines enhanced vacuum with gravity assistance to improve blood flow and neuroprotective outcomes. Head-Up CPR Techniques and Safety Sam and Kurt discussed the importance of using proper equipment and techniques for head-up CPR, as outlined by Dr. Joanna Moore’s “four rules.” Kurt emphasized that suction cup CPR in conjunction with an ITD or rescue pod is crucial for effective and safe head-up CPR. He also stressed the need for a priming period, avoiding excessive head elevation, and slow head-up positioning to prevent blood from draining from the head faster than CPR can ...
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    55 mins
  • Changes in AHA CPR and Cardiac Arrest Guidelines Over the Years – Elevated CPR Discussion Part 3

    Changes in AHA CPR and Cardiac Arrest Guidelines Over the Years – Elevated CPR Discussion Part 3
    Nov 28 2025
    We are joined by Kurt Bramer from Advanced CPR Solutions again this week to continue the series on Head-Up CPR and other promising sudden cardiac arrest treatments. He and Dr. Joe Holley kicked off the discussion in two previous episodes. Elevated CPR Series Episode One Elevated CPR Series Episode Two Elevated CPR Series Episode Four Elevated CPR Series Episode Five We open this week’s episode with a holiday severe weather update from our disaster meteorologist, Dan DePodwin. He reports on several storm systems that will impact Thanksgiving holiday travel across the eastern half of the country. Following that update, we kick off episode 3 of our Head-Up CPR series with a look at the long history of the evolutionary changes to cardiac arrest treatment. Kurt Bramer from Advanced CPR Solutions leads off with a response to some comments to the first two episodes in this series. A few listeners worried that we might sound like we were criticizing the individual responders on cardiac arrest calls over the low survival rates for the condition. The team made a joint statement that no criticism of providers in the field was intended. We all are providers ourselves and are merely commenting on the results that everyone has been getting in response to treating cardiac arrest. Some systems do better with resource management than others, but even those areas fail to save even a simple majority of their cardiac arrest patients. CARES Registry for Cardiac Arrest Stats Follow up on more of these segments as we continue to look at the current research trends in future episodes and what is on the horizon for the future. 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 CPR Challenges and Future Improvements The meeting began with a discussion about travel weather for the Thanksgiving weekend, with Dan DePodwin warning of widespread lake effect snow in the eastern United States and a potential ground blizzard in the Dakotas and Minnesota. The group then transitioned to their main topic, CPR, where Joe clarified that their previous discussion about CPR’s limitations was not meant to criticize CPR providers, but rather to highlight the challenges and lack of progress in the field over the past 50 years. They planned to explore potential improvements to CPR in future episodes. Advancements in CPR Techniques Kurt Bramer, with 40 years of experience in EMS and emergency management, discussed the history of CPR, highlighting its evolution from mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to modern techniques. He emphasized the need for better tools and more effective methods for emergency responders, as current practices are often based on outdated or insufficiently tested techniques. The group acknowledged that while responders are doing their best with limited tools, recent research may lead to positive changes in CPR practices. They also touched on the introduction of high-performance CPR in the 2010s, which aimed to maximize the effectiveness of current technologies and minimize detrimental pauses during resuscitation efforts. Mechanical CPR Guidelines Review The discussion focused on the American Heart Association’s recent guidelines regarding mechanical CPR, which recommend against routine use but allow for exceptions like transport scenarios. Kurt and Joe highlighted that the guidelines lump together different types of mechanical compressors, ignoring their unique physiological effects and training limitations. They emphasized that current research primarily focuses on patient survival as an endpoint, which may not fully capture the benefits of mechanical CPR, such as improved blood flow and reduced pauses during resuscitation. The conversation also touched on the importance of considering neurological outcomes beyond mere survival and the need for better training on integrating mechanical devices into overall cardiac arrest management. Bundle Care Approach in Resuscitation The group discussed the bundle of care approach in resuscitation, focusing on the use of multiple therapies simultaneously to improve patient outcomes. Kurt and Joe highlighted the success of the ITD (Impedance Threshold Device) when used with high-quality CPR, leading to a 50% increase in one-year survival. They also noted that only a small percentage of resuscitation guidelines are supported by randomized control trials, emphasizing the challenges in interpreting research data. The group discussed the importance of disaster preparedness and 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 ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Flawed Approaches to Sudden Cardiac Arrest Research – Elevated CPR Discussion Part 2

    Flawed Approaches to Sudden Cardiac Arrest Research – Elevated CPR Discussion Part 2
    Nov 21 2025
    Kurt Bramer from Advanced CPR Solutions comes back on the show this week to continue the series on Head-Up CPR and other promising sudden cardiac arrest treatments. He and Dr. Joe Holley kicked off the discussion in a previous episode. Elevated CPR Series Episode One Elevated CPR Series Episode Three Elevated CPR Series Episode Four Elevated CPR Series Episode Five In this second episode installment of the sudden cardiac arrest and CPR series Kurt and Dr. Joe Holley discuss some key flaws in approaching cardiac arrest research like other medical diseases and treatments. The large number of unknown and uncontrollable variables surrounding sudden cardiac arrest make it hard for randomized control trials to effectively pinpoint positive treatment modalities. CARES Registry for Cardiac Arrest Stats Follow up on more of these segments as we continue to look at the current research trends in future episodes and what is on the horizon for the future. 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 Challenges in Resuscitation Research Funding Kurt discussed the paradox between resuscitation research and orphan drugs, highlighting how both lack funding despite their importance. He explained that orphan drugs target rare conditions, making research and development challenging due to limited market potential, similar to the situation in cardiac arrest resuscitation, which is a leading cause of death worldwide but receives limited research funding. Joe agreed, noting that complacency and insufficient focus contribute to the lack of high-quality research and implementation of new techniques in cardiac arrest resuscitation. Sam questioned the reliance on randomized control trials as the gold standard for evaluating resuscitation therapies, suggesting a need to explore alternative research paradigms. Propensity Score Matching in Research Kurt explained the concept of propensity score matching, a statistical analysis tool that allows for patient-to-patient comparisons using control groups not part of randomized trials, by matching variables such as age, downtime, and bystander CPR. Joe elaborated on the challenges of conducting cardiac arrest resuscitation research, highlighting the difficulty of patient participation in randomized trials and the need for large patient numbers to account for numerous impactful details. Jamie questioned the acceptance of different statistical analyses, to which Kurt responded that the issue is primarily one of unfamiliarity, as propensity score matching is widely used in other industries but not yet fully embraced in medicine. Improving CPR Techniques and Trials Joe and Kurt discussed the challenges of conducting randomized controlled trials for cardiac arrest, noting the difficulty in controlling variables and the high cost associated with large-scale studies. They highlighted the importance of using large numbers of patients to account for variables and the need for funding, which is often scarce. Sam brought up the discovery of the ITD and the plunger concept, leading to the suggestion of placing a thumb over the end of the ET tube to enhance pressure differentials and improve blood flow during CPR. Joe explained the hydrodynamic principles behind this technique, emphasizing the role of pressure differentials in creating flow and enhancing cardiac output. Counterintuitive CPR Physiology Insights The group discussed counterintuitive aspects of CPR physiology, including how preventing air from entering the lungs during chest compressions can actually improve blood flow. Kurt shared that many of these discoveries were made serendipitously while studying the body’s response to cardiac arrest. The discussion touched on the challenges of rural emergency response and the importance of data collection in EMS agencies. The participants agreed to continue the series with future episodes focusing on heads-up CPR and various therapies, with Kurt promising to share survival stories in the next installment. The group discussed the importance of disaster preparedness and 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!
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    28 mins
  • The Global Disaster of Sudden Cardiac Arrest — Elevated CPR Discussion Part 1

    The Global Disaster of Sudden Cardiac Arrest — Elevated CPR Discussion Part 1
    Nov 14 2025
    Kurt Bramer from Advanced CPR Solutions comes on the show this week with Dr. Joe Holley. Kurt has a background in EMS since 1979 and worked as an emergency manager in Minneapolis. He currently works for Advanced CPR Solutions as a clinical educator. Sudden cardiac arrest is a global disaster that rivals the recent viral pandemic in scope. Cardiac arrest is by far the number one killer worldwide according to every public health agency of note. Over the years, treatment of this problem has a less than 4 or 5 percent survival rate with only minor incremental changes to treatment modalities. CARES Registry for Cardiac Arrest Stats Episode 2 of Elevated CPR Series Episode 3 of Elevated CPR Series Episode 4 of Elevated CPR Series Episode 5 of Elevated CPR Series The regular treatment updates that go out every five years feature only relatively minor adjustments to treatments that aren’t all that effective. Part of the problem is that it’s nearly impossible to accurately study the effects of various treatments on cardiac arrest victims due to the wide variety of variables present. Follow up on more of these segments as we continue to look at the current research trends in future episodes and what is on the horizon for the future. 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 Advancing Cardiac Arrest Survival Strategies Jamie, Sam, and Kurt discussed the global disaster of sudden cardiac arrest, highlighting its prevalence and the low survival rate despite advancements in CPR. Kurt explained the distinction between evolutionary and revolutionary changes in resuscitation, emphasizing the need for significant innovations like public access defibrillation and rescue CPR. The group planned to explore these topics further in upcoming episodes, aiming to engage both EMS professionals and emergency managers in addressing this critical issue. CPR Practices and Research Evolution The group discussed the evolution of CPR practices and the impact of scientific research on patient outcomes. Kurt and Jamie shared their experiences with skepticism and complacency among emergency responders regarding cardiac arrest cases, noting that previous protocol changes often had limited effectiveness. The conversation highlighted the importance of evidence-based practices and the potential for new techniques, like active compression and decompression, to improve survival rates. Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Challenges The group discussed the challenges and limited success rates in resuscitating cardiac arrest patients, with Joe noting that despite advancements, survival rates remain around 10-11%, equivalent to a 90% failure rate. Kurt explained that while the Cardiac Arrest Registry for Enhanced Survival (CARES) data shows a 10% overall survival rate, the rate for neurologically intact survival has remained below 9% since 2013. The discussion highlighted the difficulties in conducting research on cardiac arrest due to variables like CPR quality, EMS response models, and patient characteristics, leading Kurt to suggest that randomized control trials may not be the most effective research paradigm for this field. Challenges in Pre-Hospital RCTs The group discussed challenges in conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for pre-hospital resuscitation, with Joe highlighting significant variability in CPR quality and ventilation techniques. Kurt mentioned Peter Safar’s work and his belief that high-quality animal studies are needed before deploying therapies in uncontrolled EMS environments. The discussion also touched on the American Heart Association’s guidelines, with Joe noting that while these represent the state of science, local factors and resource constraints must be considered when implementing recommendations. Advancing CPR Techniques for Survival The meeting focused on a series discussing cardiac arrest as a global disaster, with a particular emphasis on improving CPR techniques. Kurt Bramer shared a case study from a ski slope where a patient’s recovery was attributed to the use of a rescue pump and the gravitational effect of being in an inclined position. The group discussed the potential of “head-up CPR” as a promising technique, and Jamie Davis announced upcoming episodes in the series. The participants agreed to continue exploring these topics in future discussions. The group discussed the importance of disaster preparedness and 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, ...
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    35 mins
  • United Way Worldwide and Community Resilience Programs

    United Way Worldwide and Community Resilience Programs
    Oct 31 2025
    Marcus Coleman Vice President of Community Resilience Strategy, for the United Way Worldwide joins the podcast episode. He talks with the team about the 138 year history of the United Way and its commitment to 4 areas of community resilience: Disaster, Resilient Ecosystems, Economic Resilience, and Personal Resilience (personal connectedness and social capital). They commit to being there for people before, during, and after disaster strikes. Also joining us to participate in the discussion is our disaster emergency management expert, Becky DePodwin. She brings her background to asking Marcus questions about the ways local communities are adapting to the rapidly changing Federal response system in the current environment. Tip Sheet PDF for United We Prepare Initiative United We Prepare Program Homepage 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 Community Resilience and Climate Action The group welcomed Marcus Coleman, Vice President of Community Resilience Strategy for United Way Worldwide, and discussed his role in establishing public-private partnerships to promote community resilience and address the climate crisis. They briefly touched on recent weather patterns and the success of a recent podcast episode. United Way’s Crisis Response Initiatives Marcus explained United Way’s 138-year history as an interfaith organization that mobilizes communities during crises, with a focus on disaster response, environmental resilience, economic resilience, and social connectedness. He detailed how United Ways activate locally during disasters through partnerships with organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army, leveraging their 2-1-1 information service and existing community relationships. Marcus highlighted their role in both immediate disaster response, as seen in recent events in Texas and Alaska, and long-term recovery efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they focused on mental health support and trauma recovery. Mental Health in Disaster Recovery The discussion focused on the importance of mental health support in disaster recovery, with Becky highlighting how survivors cope with both physical and psychological impacts after disasters. Marcus shared an example from Valdosta, Georgia, where the local United Way, in partnership with Resilient Georgia and Legacy Behavioral Health Services, has expanded mental health training and support for both survivors and first responders following three hurricanes in 18 months. The conversation emphasized the role of United Ways in connecting communities to mental health resources, particularly in the long-term recovery phase when emergency responders have departed. United Way Disaster Preparedness Initiative Marcus explained United We Prepare, a national initiative by United Way to enhance disaster preparedness, focusing on risk understanding, family communication plans, and safeguarding valuables. He highlighted the role of local United Ways in coordinating volunteers, supporting caregivers, and integrating preparedness into existing community programs. Marcus also discussed how United Ways conduct community needs assessments to address housing insecurity and provide data for emergency operations planning. United Way’s Disaster Preparedness Efforts Marcus discussed United Way’s efforts in addressing food and financial insecurity, highlighting their partnerships with food banks and financial education initiatives. He also talked about their focus on hurricane recovery and preparedness, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with meteorologists and other emergency management professionals. Becky, a meteorologist, agreed on the importance of year-round preparedness and suggested that United Way continue to build relationships with local weather forecasting offices and private sector weather companies. She also expressed interest in how United Way might step in to fill gaps left by the federal government in disaster response. Lessons from FEMA Leadership Marcus reflected on lessons learned from past FEMA administrators, emphasizing the importance of whole community engagement, locally-led emergency management, and maintaining core values such as compassion and fairness. He highlighted the need for continued investment in emergency management systems and the role of United Way in supporting communities during crises. Marcus also discussed the challenges posed by pandemics, extreme weather, and misinformation, and the importance of positioning United Way as a partner of choice in navigating these disruptions. 211 Service Expansion and Impact Marcus ...
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    46 mins
  • Hurricane Melissa Update

    Hurricane Melissa Update
    Oct 28 2025
    credit — National Hurricane Center Tonight on the Disaster Podcast we dig into the expected impacts Hurricane Melissa will carry into Jamaica as it impacts the island country in the Caribbean. Disaster meteorologist Dan DePodwin and disaster emergency management expert Becky DePodwin join us this evening to look at the storm’s origins and projected track. Melissa threatens multiple countries with hurricane and tropical storm force winds. In addition to Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda are all in the projected cone of travel. Additionally, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are getting peripheral storm effects. 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 Hurricane Melissa Impact Discussion Jamie hosted a mid-week update episode of the Disaster Podcast to discuss Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to be the strongest storm recorded worldwide in 2023. Jamie, Sam, and Dan discussed the storm’s potential impact, with concerns raised about entire communities being wiped off the coastline due to storm surge and prolonged winds. The team planned to bring in meteorologists and disaster management experts for further updates, and Jamie noted that this episode would be shorter than usual due to another episode already scheduled for Friday. Category 5 Hurricane Impact Assessment Dan explained that Jamaica and eastern Cuba are facing a dire situation due to an extremely strong Category 5 hurricane, Melissa, which rapidly intensified over the weekend. He noted that the storm is moving unusually slowly, which will prolong the impacts, including prolonged hurricane-force winds, significant infrastructure damage, and several feet of rain. Sam mentioned that this year has seen three Category 5 hurricanes, the most in a single season since 2005, and asked Dan about the rarity of such events, to which Dan responded that it is concerning, especially given the potential impacts of climate change on hurricane intensity. Rapid Hurricane Intensification Trends Dan explained that rapid hurricane intensification, such as Melissa’s recent rapid development, has become more noticeable due to improved monitoring and reporting, though the exact rate of such events is unclear. He noted several recent examples of rapid intensification, including Hurricane Michael and Otis, which caused significant damage. Sam asked about factors influencing hurricane speed, and Dan clarified that steering winds in the atmosphere determine a hurricane’s movement, with weak steering winds allowing Melissa to meander slowly across the Caribbean. Jamie raised concerns about the impact of storm surge on coastal communities, particularly critical infrastructure, and questioned how to effectively communicate such risks to the public. Hurricane Melissa Impact on Jamaica Jamie and Becky discussed the challenges faced by Jamaicans as Hurricane Melissa approaches, noting the lack of evacuation options due to economic dependencies on fishing and limited resources. Becky highlighted the storm’s well-forecasted nature but expressed concern about the prolonged impact and Category 5 intensity, emphasizing the logistical hurdles in providing aid post-storm. Dan provided an update on the storm’s projected path, predicting significant impacts in Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, with Jamaica expected to bear the brunt as the first landfall. He advised residents to remain in safe shelters and outlined the expected wind, flooding, and landslides in affected areas. Caribbean Hurricane Preparedness Concerns Becky expressed concerns about the impact of the upcoming hurricane in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, noting that while the island has experienced hurricanes before, this one is expected to be significantly more severe. She highlighted the limited evacuation options and infrastructure challenges, suggesting that many residents may not be prepared for the magnitude of the disaster. Jamie mentioned that a Hurricane Hunter flight was aborted due to extreme wind conditions, an unusual occurrence that Dan might be able to provide more context on. Hurricane Hunting and Turbulence Challenges Dan discussed the National Hurricane Center’s report about a NOAA aircraft that encountered severe turbulence while flying through a storm, highlighting the challenges of flying into rapidly intensifying hurricanes. He explained that while commercial flights experience turbulence, hurricane flights can be significantly rougher, with large altitude changes and intense shaking. Dan also mentioned a notable incident during Hurricane Hugo in the late 1980s when an aircraft lost an engine, leading ...
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    24 mins