Disaster Podcast

Who takes care of the people who show up to help? This week on the Disaster Podcast, hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley join Dr. Joe Holley in welcoming Sean Malone, founder of Crisis Response International, for a conversation about responder trauma, volunteer preparation, and the importance of giving ourselves permission to step back. Sean’s commitment to disaster response grew from his experience at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. He describes arriving on September 12, 2001, and working alongside his father to bring movie industry lighting equipment into the response area. Their effort helped illuminate the rubble where emergency personnel were working. Sam shares that her team arrived on September 13, and the two reflect on serving in the same area during those difficult early days. Their memories highlight both the determination to help and the challenges of coordinating volunteers amid an overwhelming disaster. The conversation moves beyond the work itself to the emotional weight responders carried afterward. Sean describes how compassion and adrenaline can keep people moving even as exhaustion and trauma build. Joe offers a related perspective from the response to the Pentagon attack, recalling the support available to Urban Search and Rescue teams during deployment and the less individualized approach to follow-up care at the time. Sean went on to establish Crisis Response International in 2007. During the interview, he shares that the organization has trained more than 20,000 responders for disasters around the world. Those experiences have helped shape an approach to volunteer preparation that includes emotional readiness, team support, and care that continues beyond the immediate assignment. One of the episode’s central ideas is what Sean calls “the power of permission.” He credits his wife with helping him recognize the value of team members explicitly giving one another permission to take breaks and attend to their own needs. For people driven to keep helping, hearing that encouragement from a trusted teammate can make it easier to acknowledge their limits. Jamie reflects on how responder care has developed over the past 25 years. The group discusses greater awareness of trauma among both professional responders and volunteers, along with the growing place of practical self-care in disaster training. Sean explains how CRI prepares volunteers for unstable environments and incorporates stress management and member care into its work. He describes the organization’s faith-based approach, including prayer and peer support, alongside access to professional counseling when needed. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing when someone needs additional help. Throughout the episode, the team returns to the lasting effects of catastrophic events. A deployment may end, but processing what happened can take much longer. Building a culture where responders can speak honestly about their needs is an important part of the conversation. Listen as Sean, Sam, Jamie, and Joe share their experiences and explore how caring for responders can become a regular part of disaster operations—from preparation through the return home. Learn more about Sean’s organization, volunteer training, and disaster response work at Crisis Response International. Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast. Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.  

How deep does a weather expert’s vocabulary go? We’re back to find out on this week’s Disaster Podcast with another round of “Stump Dan the Weather Man.” Our disaster weather expert Dan DePodwin returns to face a fresh collection of obscure weather terms, regional expressions, and atmospheric oddities. Hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley, along with Becky, put his knowledge to the test. The challenge is simple: find a weather question or term Dan can’t explain. Accomplishing that? Considerably less simple. Coastal Storms and an Arizona Tornado Before the trivia begins, Dan joins the team for a discussion of U.S. weather patterns, including a major storm system off the East Coast and reports of an unusual tornado in Arizona. The conversation explores coastal storm impacts and how tornadoes can develop outside the regions most commonly associated with them. Arizona may not be the first place that comes to mind when someone says “tornado,” but the atmosphere doesn’t check our expectations before getting to work. Can We Catch Dan Out? Then it’s time to open the weather vocabulary grab bag. Sam brings her collection of obscure terms, while Becky adds challenges of her own. From unusual clouds to unfamiliar words for cold, frost, and murky conditions, the questions give everyone a chance to learn something—and give Dan a few reasons to pause. Among the terms making an appearance: Virga Mare’s tails Heat bursts Sting jets Snow rollers The Fujiwhara effect Lenticular clouds Hole punch clouds Mackerel skies Tule fog And then there are words like brumal, gelid, caliginous, and mizzle. Are we describing the weather or assembling a particularly gloomy spelling bee? You’ll have to listen. Weather Trivia with a Practical Side Along the way, the team discusses the science behind unusual weather phenomena, the origins of colorful terminology, and the regional expressions people use to describe what’s happening outside. The conversation also turns to wet bulb globe temperature and its role in discussions of heat stress and outdoor sports safety. It’s a reminder that weather knowledge has uses well beyond winning a trivia contest. How many terms will you recognize? And which ones will finally stump Dan? Listen to this week’s Disaster Podcast and play along. No looking up the answers before Dan gets his turn. Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast. Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.  

An old friend joins us for a conversation about new beginnings on this week’s Disaster Podcast. Natalie Cavender, known to many in the early EMS blogging and podcasting community as msparamedic, reconnects with hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley, along with Dr. Joe Holley, to share her journey from American EMS to life and work in Northwest England. Now sharing her experiences as The Cajun Expat, Natalie talks about moving across the Atlantic, finding her place within England’s National Health Service, and discovering how much of her paramedic identity travels with her. The Early Days of EMS Blogging and Podcasting GenMed Show in 2010 The episode opens with memories of the early EMS podcasting community and the friendships that grew from it. The group reflects on those connections and the influence of Ted Settla (who passed away several years ago), while Natalie shares plans for a GenMed Show reunion with former co-hosts to catch up on where their careers have taken them. Natalie’s move to England began with a long-distance relationship with her British partner. Turning that relationship into a shared life meant navigating visa sponsorship, employment, and the everyday adjustments of settling into another country. There’s room for humor along the way, including changing speech patterns, British food, and her distinctly Louisiana perspective on sausages. Navigating Working in England’s National Health Service Professionally, the transition brought a different set of challenges. Natalie describes arriving with 18 years of paramedic experience while still needing to demonstrate competencies and adapt to unfamiliar workplace expectations. Her account highlights the difference between bringing clinical experience to a new role and having that experience formally recognized. An example involving her ECG interpretation skills illustrates how knowledge developed in EMS continued to serve her patients and colleagues. Jamie connects her experience with his own transition from paramedic practice into nursing education. Sam adds her perspective on working in hospital settings, where the practical skills of experienced paramedics often become valuable when teams need help. Natalie also discusses her move into maternity care and midwifery, her plans to pursue a master’s in public health, and the process of building trust within a new clinical team. Learning different terminology, medications, and professional boundaries has been part of that adjustment. Throughout the conversation, the group returns to the judgment, adaptability, and leadership that paramedics carry into other careers. Launching The Cajun Expat Podcast Storytelling remains an important part of Natalie’s life. Alongside a book project about two medics, she has launched The Cajun Expat, a podcast exploring her personal and professional transition from the United States to the United Kingdom. She talks about changing identity, building a life abroad, and using scripts to help organize her thoughts while recording. The reunion also includes a moment of remembrance as Joe pays tribute to a late friend and colleague who worked as both a paramedic and a nurse. It’s a reminder of the lasting relationships formed through emergency care, even as careers and circumstances change. Join Jamie, Sam, Joe, and Natalie for a warm, candid conversation about EMS friendships, starting again in a different healthcare system, and finding new ways to use a lifetime of experience. The team also looks ahead to a possible future discussion comparing disaster management approaches in the United States and the United Kingdom. Explore the links below to learn more about Natalie’s new show. The Cajun Expat on Spotify The Cajun Expat on Apple Podcasts Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast. Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.  

Sonnet Daymont LMFT What happens when a patient’s wishes, scene safety, and a responder’s responsibilities pull in different directions? Returning guest Sonnet Daymont, a licensed trauma therapist and adjunct professor, joins hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley, and Becky DePodwin, disaster emergency management expert. On this episode of the Disaster Podcast, the hosts and guests explore the ethical challenges first responders face during emergencies. Together, they discuss patient dignity, mental health crisis response, consent, and the limits of a system built around immediate intervention. Caring for Patients in Difficult Situations Emergency scenes rarely arrive with clear answers. Responders may encounter frightened patients, distressed families, conflicting accounts from bystanders, and behavior that makes providing care more difficult. Sonnet explores how patient goals, privacy, professional responsibilities, and personal values can overlap. Those considerations become even more complicated when EMS, law enforcement, and mental health professionals approach the same situation from different perspectives. Sam brings those challenges into the discussion of patients whose behavior may be confrontational or dangerous. She and Sonnet consider how responders can balance compassion with safety while recognizing that a person in crisis may need support beyond what an emergency response alone can provide. Bringing Mental Health Expertise to the Scene Jamie discusses community paramedicine and the potential benefits of closer collaboration between first responders and mental health professionals. Sonnet describes how trained mental health personnel could contribute through grounding techniques, communication, and information gathering. Helping someone become calmer may also make it easier to understand what happened and what support they need. The group considers another familiar challenge: bystanders who want to help but offer incomplete, conflicting, or distracting information. Their discussion explores how clear boundaries and focused questions can support both patient care and scene management. Consent, Refusal, and Difficult Decisions The conversation turns to situations in which a patient refuses evaluation or treatment. The hosts and Sonnet explore the tension between respecting a person’s decisions and responding to concerns about immediate safety. These situations raise questions about decision-making capacity, consent, and the responsibilities of different professionals. The discussion also touches on documenting observations, conversations, and the reasoning behind decisions. Because applicable laws, protocols, and professional roles vary, this portion of the episode explores ethical dilemmas rather than offering a universal rule for handling refusals or involuntary intervention. More Options for Mental Health Crisis Care Could additional treatment pathways help people whose needs do not fit neatly into an ambulance ride or an emergency department visit? The team discusses the concept of mental health urgent care, including ideas raised in connection with North Carolina, and the potential value of more accessible crisis services. Sonnet also brings a therapist’s perspective to the barriers people face when seeking help, including stigma and gaps in available care. Technology and the Next Conversation The episode closes with questions about documentation, liability concerns, vehicle cameras, and emerging AI tools. The team identifies these as subjects for further discussion, particularly around privacy, accuracy, and professional responsibilities. Listen to the episode for a thoughtful conversation about caring for people in crisis—and supporting the responders asked to make difficult decisions under pressure. The Disaster Podcast is sponsored by Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group. 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.  

Hurricane Isaias storm plot A hurricane approaching the Gulf Coast brings concerns that extend well beyond its expected landfall. In this episode of the Disaster Podcast, disaster meteorologists Kyle Nelson and Dan DePodwin join Dr. Joe Holley, a physician with a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team, to discuss coastal and inland weather threats, responder preparations, and the dangers of complacency. Hosts Sam Bradley, a paramedic and author, and Jamie Davis, a paramedic, nurse, and author, guide a conversation that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific, connecting tropical weather with flooding, drought, and seasonal planning. The team examines the Gulf Coast forecast discussed during the recording, including concerns for the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, southeastern Mississippi, and Georgia. Heavy rainfall, storm surge, and possible tornadoes all feature in the discussion. Joe shares how response teams had begun positioning around the anticipated impact area in preparation for potential deployments. Dan explains an important distinction when looking at hurricane maps: the forecast cone describes the expected track of the storm’s center, rather than the full area that could experience dangerous weather. Rainfall, gusty winds, and other hazards can reach communities far from that track. The conversation includes potential inland impacts across the Southeast and flooding concerns in the Appalachians. Meanwhile, tropical activity in the Pacific raises a different set of concerns. Moisture moving toward the western United States may bring welcome rain, but heavy precipitation over a short period can create flash flood risks in desert communities. Kyle discusses the particular vulnerability of wildfire burn scars, where runoff and debris flows can threaten areas downstream. That leads Jamie to ask how water managers in Colorado use forecasts to plan for snowpack and reservoir supplies. Kyle explains the importance of looking months ahead and why a single rainy period cannot resolve a long-term drought. Dan adds perspective on El Niño and its potential influence on winter weather, while the group acknowledges the uncertainty involved in seasonal forecasting. Preparedness remains a central theme throughout the episode. Jamie reflects on friends trading wildfire risks for hurricane risks after moving to the Gulf Coast. Sam shares her own experience navigating unfamiliar warning systems, highlighting how much there is to learn when moving to a different region. Joe points to complacency as a serious concern, even among people who have weathered previous storms. Familiarity with a place does not mean every storm will behave the same way or bring the same consequences. The team closes by discussing the value of local emergency management updates and official social media channels. Those sources help residents—and loved ones following from elsewhere—understand local preparations and changing conditions. Listen as Kyle, Dan, Joe, Sam, and Jamie explore the weather behind the warnings and the importance of taking each storm’s risks seriously. Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast. Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.  

When an emergency turns into an extended shift, even basic needs like water, food, and clean socks can become a challenge. In this episode of the Disaster Podcast, co-hosts Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis welcome Hannah Cornett and Luke Croston from Tags4Lives, a nonprofit helping communities support the people who respond when disaster strikes. Their approach starts with a relationship. By working directly with departments before an emergency, Tags4Lives identifies what personnel need and establishes a process for getting requested supplies into their hands without disrupting operations. Hannah explains how the organization prepares supply packs for different weather conditions and assignments. Items can include water, granola bars, socks, sunscreen, and first aid supplies, with departments helping determine what makes sense for their crews. In-kind donations, grants, and private support help make that work possible. Drawing on her wildland fire experience, Sam shares why coordination matters. Well-intentioned donations can create extra work when the food or supplies don’t fit the situation. Establishing relationships ahead of time helps turn community generosity into practical assistance that responders can actually use. Hannah describes how that process has worked in Northeast Ohio, including providing water to fire, public works, and parks departments during hot weather. Getting the system in place before supplies are needed allows departments to request support when conditions change or a routine workday stretches into a prolonged response. Luke brings an important public works perspective to the conversation. Responding to tornadoes, water main breaks, and other emergencies helped him recognize his department’s role as first responders. Public works employees keep essential infrastructure functioning and help restore the services a community depends on after a disaster. Their crews face long hours and unexpected assignments, and they need support, too. There’s also a personal element in every appreciation bag. Hannah describes including handwritten messages of gratitude from the public, including messages written on aluminum tags. Alongside the practical supplies, those notes offer a reminder that someone recognizes the work these crews are doing. Jamie reflects on how meaningful that connection can be during a difficult response. The conversation returns to a lesson that applies across disaster preparedness: build relationships before the emergency. Tags4Lives gives community members a coordinated way to help, while allowing departments to guide the support their personnel receive. Listen as Hannah and Luke share how their program works, why public works belongs in the responder support conversation, and how a few practical supplies paired with a personal thank-you can make a difference during a long shift. Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.  

From coastal flooding in the Northeast to tropical rainfall threats in the Pacific, this episode of the Disaster Podcast explores how changing weather patterns create challenges for communities and responders. Disaster meteorologist Dan DePodwin joins hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley to discuss nor’easters, hurricane activity, El Niño, and storms that return after seemingly fading away. Dan begins by explaining what makes a storm a nor’easter and why these systems can cause problems well beyond snowfall. In the Northeast forecast discussed during the recording, the concerns include coastal wind gusts of 40–60 miles per hour, heavy rain, rough surf, and potential power outages. Persistent onshore winds have already set the stage for coastal flooding, with the Jersey Shore, Long Island, and southeastern New England among the areas of concern. The conversation then shifts to the Pacific, where tropical systems threaten both island communities and the mainland. Dan describes how tropical moisture interacting with Hawaii’s mountainous terrain can produce extreme rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides. Another concern is moisture moving inland from the eastern Pacific, potentially bringing flooding to parts of the Southwest and central United States. A storm’s effects can extend far beyond its coastal track. National Hurricane Center Website El Niño provides a broader backdrop for the discussion. Dan explains how warmer equatorial Pacific waters and changes in atmospheric conditions can influence tropical activity and weather patterns around the world. He also distinguishes those large-scale influences from the ingredients that produce an individual storm: understanding El Niño helps explain the seasonal picture, but it does not mean every weather event has a single cause. Sam brings a personal perspective to the discussion, recalling a tornado warning while driving through Missouri. She describes taking shelter in a convenience store as warning sirens sounded and later learning that a tornado had struck in the general area. Her experience leads into a conversation about seasonal tornado risks and the importance of paying attention to changing conditions while traveling. The group also explores so-called “zombie storms”—tropical systems that weaken or lose their tropical characteristics before reorganizing. Hurricane Ivan comes up as the hosts and Dan discuss how a storm’s story can continue long after its initial impact. Throughout the episode, Dan connects the weather science with the practical concerns facing responders: coastal flooding, inland rainfall, power disruptions, and rapidly changing forecasts. Listen for a conversation about understanding the hazards behind the storm names and keeping the full geographic reach of a weather event in view. Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast. Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.  

Returning guest and author Beth Livingston joins co-hosts Jamie Davis and Sam Bradley, along with Dr. Joe Holley, to explore the 1860 sinking of the Lady Elgin on Lake Michigan. Beth’s new book, The Lady Elgin Sinking of 1860, examines a disaster that claimed hundreds of lives and the extraordinary efforts of people determined to help. Listeners may remember Beth from her previous visits discussing the Charleston earthquake and the Dayton flood. This time, she brings us to the Great Lakes, where a passenger excursion from Milwaukee to Chicago ended in tragedy. Beth describes how members of Milwaukee’s Union Guards, accompanied by family members and other passengers, traveled to Chicago for a fundraising outing. After a day of activities and sightseeing, they boarded the Lady Elgin for the return trip. During the overnight voyage, the steamer collided with the sailing vessel Augusta in stormy conditions. As water entered the damaged ship, Captain Jack Wilson and his crew tried desperately to keep it afloat. Beth recounts attempts to plug the breach and the decision to move passengers onto the upper hurricane deck as the situation worsened. When the vessel went down, survivors faced rough water, floating wreckage, and a dangerous journey toward shore. The rescue effort brought together crew members, nearby residents, and students who responded as news of the sinking reached land. Among them was Edward Spencer, a student at Garrett Biblical Institute, who is credited with rescuing 17 people. Beth also shares Captain Wilson’s efforts to help passengers survive and the account of his death while trying to save a mother and child. For Jamie, Sam, and Joe, these stories raise questions that remain familiar to disaster responders today. What drives someone to enter danger to help a stranger? How do people find the strength to keep going when the need seems overwhelming? And how do communities come together when an ordinary day becomes a mass-casualty event? Author Beth Livingston Sam brings her responder’s perspective to a conversation about the human side of disaster. Across generations, the equipment and communication systems change, but the impulse to help remains a powerful part of the response. Beth also takes us behind the scenes of her research. She discusses tracing the people involved, exploring how news of the wreck spread, and discovering how much of the story had faded from public memory. A visit to Captain Wilson’s hometown helped spark renewed local interest in his life and actions. This episode offers a look at both a historic maritime tragedy and the people whose choices deserve to be remembered. Listen as Beth shares the story behind her new book and helps us connect the experiences of the Lady Elgin’s passengers and rescuers with the challenges responders face today. Listen to Beth’s Previous Episode of the Disaster Podcast Our thanks to Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group for sponsoring the Disaster Podcast. Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.  

In this episode, we bring back paramedic and professor, Bram Duffee. Bram was previously on the show to discuss the book he co-wrote with Joseph Brigandi, MS, M.Ed., NCC, LPC-S. Psychological Emergency: Communication and Care by First Responders. Unfortunately, Joseph passed away suddenly recently and Bram spends the initial parts of the episode giving tribute to his friend, fellow paramedic, and co-author. Dr. Joe Holley joins the team and along with co-host, Sam Bradley, talks about the 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and response. Joe responded with a Federal USAR team to the Pentagon attack and Sam was at ground zero in New York with a California DMAT team supporting the responders with medical care after working on the pile at the World Trade Centers sites each day. The episode also was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Psychological Casualties in Disasters Bram explained the Iceberg Effect, which highlights that for every physical casualty in a disaster, there are 4-10 psychological casualties that go unaddressed. He noted that while physical casualties are visible and what incident commanders plan for, the psychological toll represents a much larger underlying issue that can overwhelm systems designed only for physical injuries. Sam shared her experience with CISM teams during disasters like Katrina, emphasizing how responders often feel they abandon patients who need long-term psychological support rather than quick medical treatment. First Responder Family Preparedness The group discussed the importance of first responders’ family preparedness during major incidents, with Jamie emphasizing that having a well-prepared home life allows first responders to better focus on patient care. Bram shared his experience with government versus private company responses to disasters, noting that government agencies typically provide better support for personnel and their families. Sam contributed by sharing her role in launching critical incident stress management (CISM) in 1996 with American Medical Response in Northern California, which later expanded nationwide. Psychological Phases of Disaster Response Bram explained four psychological phases of disaster response: impact, inventory, rescue, and recovery, drawing from CISM principles and Dwight Polk’s work on pre-hospital behavioral emergencies. He described how each phase represents different emotional states and challenges, with the recovery phase often being the most important but least recognized phase that requires sustained attention and resources. Bram also outlined how psychological triage can be applied by identifying distinct population groups with different needs, including survivors, witnesses, bereaved individuals, and the wider community, each requiring different approaches based on their specific circumstances. Individualized Disaster Psychological Support Approaches The group discussed the importance of individualized approaches when providing psychological support during disasters, noting that different people require specific treatments based on their unique needs and trauma presentations. Bram emphasized how people in states of fear and shock can be particularly vulnerable to hypnotic trances, highlighting the critical importance of careful communication and word choice by first responders. The discussion also touched on how both victims and their caregivers can exhibit signs of psychological distress during disaster situations. Disaster Management Frameworks Discussion Bram explained three frameworks – Focus, START, and CALMS – that he created using mnemonics to help with disaster management situations. The Focus framework helps with situational assessment by examining population impact, operational zones, critical phases, urgent needs, and strategy. START addresses resource allocation, while CALMS provides an interactive approach for individual support. The discussion then shifted to potentially discussing Dr. Joe’s experience at the Pentagon, though the transcript ended before this topic was fully explored. 9/11 First Responder Reflections The group discussed their experiences responding to the 9/11 attacks 25 years ago. Joe described being deployed within hours of the attack and spending 14 days on-site doing search and rescue work, while Sam shared her experience with the federal team providing medical care to firefighters, noting their psychological distress. The participants discussed how psychological support for first responders has improved significantly over the past 25 years, with more real-time and robust support systems in place. They also reflected on the long-term psychological impacts on responders, with Joe mentioning that some team members still struggle with PTSD, and Bram comparing the experience to dealing with grief. First Responder Psychological Impact Discussion The meeting was a podcast recording discussing the psychological impact on first responders, particularly focusing on a book written by Bram about communication techniques for handling psych emergencies. Sam shared her experience coordinating supervisor check-ins with hospital staff following a crisis, while Jamie emphasized the importance of remembering historical events for future generations. The discussion concluded with information about where to find the participants online and announcements about upcoming podcast episodes covering hurricane season and recent events in Hawaii. 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!

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!