Wilderness Medicine Updates Ep. 9 - FEMA Urban Search and Rescue with Dr Graham Brant-Zawadzki
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Oct 11, 2023 In this discussion, Dr. Graham Brant-Zawadzki, an EMS and Wilderness Fellowship-trained ER physician from Utah, shares his experiences with FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue Task Force during a deployment in Lahaina, Hawaii. He delves into the intricacies of training, essential gear, and the collaborative efforts of diverse teams in disaster responses. Dr. Brant-Zawadzki also highlights the crucial role of healthcare providers and their canine partners in ensuring effective rescue operations. Listeners gain insights on how they can get involved in these critical missions.
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Modular, Self-Sufficient USAR Network
- FEMA USAR comprises 28 regional, modular task forces with mixed specialties ready to deploy rapidly.
- Teams are self-sufficient and designed to augment local response without draining resources.
Joining Via Host Agency Role
- Graham joined Utah Task Force 1 through his role as medical director for Unified Fire Authority.
- Being embedded in the host agency helped him meet team members and get involved.
Always Pack A 24‑Hour Personal Bag
- Bring a personal 24-hour bag even though the task force stores the main cache at the warehouse.
- Use it as insurance in case the bulk gear is delayed after you arrive.