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In this episode of The Upgrade, we delve into survival tactics for a wide range of emergencies—from natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to high-stress scenarios such as active shooter events and stampedes. Our guide is Judith Matloff, a seasoned crisis reporter with 40 years of experience in war zones, uprisings, and other perilous environments. Currently, she teaches crisis reporting at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and is the author of the book How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need.
Tune in to learn Judith’s expert advice on mental and physical preparation for extreme situations, along with her essential tips for surviving natural disasters, snake bites, severe injuries, and more.
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Key Takeaways from This Week’s Episode
Insights from the Judith Matloff Interview
Why learning basic first aid is essential:
Most individuals are unprepared for emergencies...It’s human nature to remain optimistic and dismissive, thinking, “Nothing bad will happen to me, or that seems too far-fetched.” However, unexpected events do occur. One crucial step everyone should take is enrolling in an emergency first aid course. For example, with frequent active shooter incidents, knowing how to stop bleeding can save lives, as demonstrated by bystanders during the Boston Marathon bombing or the Las Vegas shooting. Learning to control bleeding is simple and takes only a few hours, yet it can make a life-or-death difference, even in everyday situations like car accidents...I firmly believe we must anticipate worst-case scenarios, plan how to handle or prevent them, and rehearse those plans. Being prepared ensures you’ll remain calm and effective when disaster strikes. Without a doubt.
On updates to emergency evacuation strategies this year:
I strongly encourage every American living in areas prone to unexpected natural disasters—such as tornadoes, earthquakes, or other unusual events—to identify their evacuation routes and safe locations now. These plans may differ from previous years due to changing circumstances. For instance, residents of New Orleans, who are typically well-versed in evacuation protocols, must adapt to new guidelines this year [due to COVID].
On unexpected advice for handling severed body parts:
Avoid placing the severed part directly on ice, as it can damage the tissue. Instead, wrap it carefully. Ziploc bags are ideal for this purpose—you never know when an accident might occur, such as losing a finger or even sustaining more severe injuries like exposed intestines. Keep the wrapped part moist and cool, but ensure the water doesn’t directly touch the severed tissue. Never use ice directly.
For more of Judith’s expert advice on handling various emergencies, be sure to listen to the full episode!
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