Disasters affect responders and community members, but they also bring trauma to those working inside emergency operations centers. Distance from the scene does not create a shield from stress, and secondary traumatic stress can impair leadership. Learn how vital managing stress is for effective emergency response.
This is an article by Camilo Olivieri, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, May 7, 2025.
First responders and emergency managers face constant, high-pressure stress from trauma, long hours, and critical decisions. This often leads to chronic stress, increasing risks of heart disease, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Their ability to help others depends on prioritizing their own well-being through proactive self-care. Learn how first responders and emergency managers can thrive, ensuring they can better support those they protect and care for.
This is an article by Greg Hauser, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 30, 2025. Hurricanes in 2024 caused widespread damage to infrastructure, leading to a critical but often overlooked issue: isolation. Physical and technological disruptions left public safety personnel and government officials unable to perform essential tasks. While physical destruction was visible, the invisible breakdown of communication systems intensified the sense of isolation and fear among officials and the public.
Learn how SWICs and emergency managers can implement plans to address these unique challenges to prepare for the next disaster.
This is an article by Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 23, 2025. As satellite-to-cell tech grows more common, cell phone makers must move quickly to adopt it. This link can bridge emergency services and the public, no matter the disaster or condition of ground networks. Learn how real-time satellite communication offers vital access and resilience for users and first responders alike, saving lives.
This is an article by Rodrigo (Roddy) Moscoso, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 23, 2025. As satellite-to-cell tech grows more common, cell phone makers must move quickly to adopt it. This link can bridge emergency services and the public, no matter the disaster or condition of ground networks. Learn how real-time satellite communication offers vital access and resilience for users and first responders alike, saving lives.
This is an article by Gabe Elias, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 23, 2025. Decades of work have improved public safety’s ability to share information. However, the journey toward better interoperable communication requires uncovering additional hidden barriers. Learn how to examine response operating procedures to uncover those hidden barriers.
This is an article by Charles (Charley) Bryson, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 16, 2025.
Despite significant investments in public safety, critical training gaps for first responders persist. Regional planning committees, established by the FCC in the 1980s to manage public safety radio frequencies, remain key to improving interoperability. Learn about ongoing efforts—both regional and national—to close communication gaps and improve coordinated emergency response.
This is an article by William Chapman, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 16, 2025. “PACE” planning helps organizations fail gracefully, but systems thinking reduces the likelihood of failure altogether. Learn how combining both approaches helps organizations build resilience, regardless of threat or hazard.
This is an article by Marc Hill, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 9, 2025. Effective communication starts with understanding your audience—who they are, what they know, why they’re listening, and what they need to hear. Learn how this awareness can help you deliver a message your audience will understand, connect with, and remember.
This is an article by Tanya Scherr, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, April 2, 2025. Coupled with continued staffing challenges, mental health and work-life balance difficulties in emergency call centers are cause for concern. Learn how AI can take some of the burden from existing staff and leadership, so focus can be returned to where it is most needed within each center. Now to the featured article.
Disasters affect responders and community members, but they also bring trauma to those working inside emergency operations centers. Distance from the scene does not create a shield from stress, and secondary traumatic stress can impair leadership. Learn how vital managing stress is for effective emergency response. 