This episode of Cogent Conversations features a comprehensive discussion on mass casualty preparedness and the critical role of stress management in emergency training. Host Shelly Weinstein is joined by Cogent Steps Instructors Dr. Megan Mitchell and Joel Bannister, as well as Dr. Kristina Stanich, a physical therapist who works for the US government. The episode underscores the need for proactive training to ensure readiness for large-scale emergencies.

The conversation highlights the value of stress management during training, as well as the benefits of training focused on mass casualty preparedness, using Cogent Steps' recent course with Rocky Mountain University to train students for a potential mass casualty event as an example. The panelists of guests also discuss the lack of prioritization for mass casualty preparedness at large-scale events and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration among agencies when doing so.

This episode of Cogent Conversations features Dr. John Jardine, an emergency medicine physician currently working at Kent Hospital in Rhode Island. Host Shelley Weinstein and Dr. Jardine discuss his experience in endurance medicine, exploring the challenges of providing medical support at events—particularly in treating exertional heat stroke—as climate plays a more prominent role in our lives.

Dr. Jardine shares insights on the importance of rapid response, teamwork, and the unique demands of medical planning for large-scale athletic competitions, and highlights his work at events like the Beach to Beacon race and the Marine Corps Marathon.

This episode of Cogent Conversations features Fire Chief Brian Weston, a federal firefighter and paramedic overseeing Marine Corps Base Quantico's Fire and EMS services. Chief Weston and Cogent Conversations Host Shelly Weinstein discuss the unique challenges of emergency management on a military base, including differences from civilian departments and other logistical complexities.

The conversation focuses on the importance of incident action plans (IAPs) for large-scale events, explaining how they enhance coordination among multiple agencies and improve response efficiency. Chief Weston also shares insights on overcoming communication barriers, the role of logistics in emergency planning, and best practices for event organizers to collaborate effectively with first responders.