SMFM Podcast: 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. 

Additional Resources:

• SMFM Page on Wildfires and Air Quality 

• SMFM Page on Emerging Threats 

• CDC page on emergency preparedness: hurricanes, floods and pregnancy 

• CDC page on reproductive health: emergency preparedness and response tools and resources  

• ACOG Committee Statement #15 

• ACOG Committee Opinion #726 

• Stanford Disaster Preparedness for Hospitals 

• TRAIN: Triage Tool for Hospitalized Obstetric and Newborn Patients