Obstetric Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters
In this episode of the SMFM Podcast, Dr. Rupesh Patel welcomes Dr. Kay Daniels and Dr. Carey Eppes for an important conversation on emergency preparedness in the setting of obstetric (OB) care. Together, they break down the four key principles of emergency preparedness—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—and explore how these apply to both OB clinicians and their patients.
Using real-world examples like wildfires, poor air quality, tropical storms, flooding, tornadoes, extreme heat, and mass casualty events, the discussion provides a comprehensive overview of what OB clinicians need to know in the face of natural disasters. Drs. Daniels and Eppes explain how hospitals are structured to respond to emergencies, what resources are typically available, how OB and maternity care units manage care during emergencies and most importantly, the role OB providers play during these critical situations.
The episode also offers actionable guidance for helping pregnant and postpartum patients prepare for emergencies. From what to include in an emergency kit to how clinicians can effectively communicate and stay connected with patients during and after a disaster, this episode is a must-listen for providers committed to delivering safe care—even in the most unpredictable circumstances.
Click here for the full episode transcript.
For more educational resources, visit education.smfm.org.
SMFM's Podcast Series
Welcome to the SMFM Podcast Series!
The SMFM podcast will include an array of topics that touch the MFM world including Congenital Heart Disease, Mental Illness, 3D Ultrasound, preventing Burnout and more.
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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on the podcast series are the speakers’ own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. The "SMFM" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and their use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
- No. of episodes: 100
- Latest episode: 2025-07-28
- Education Health & Fitness
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