In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan explores the high-stakes world of EMS preparedness with guests Matt Sasser and Alex Isakoff. Get an inside look at what it really takes to be ready for anything—from unexpected emergencies on the road to transporting patients with high-consequence infectious diseases.

The team shares real stories, expert insights, and lessons learned from hands-on drills, large-scale exercises, and unique scenarios. Discover the importance of the "staff, stuff, and space" mantra, why iterative training makes the difference in crisis moments, and how building a culture of preparedness through practice ultimately keeps both EMS providers and patients safe.

Whether you're a frontline responder, hospital clinician, or simply interested in public health, this conversation unpacks the challenges and triumphs of special pathogen preparedness—and why cultivating expertise, collaboration, and ongoing support is essential for communities everywhere.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at info@netec.org.

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Guests

Alex Isakov, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAEMS

NETEC EMS Workgroup Co-Lead 

Executive Director for Health Security

Professor of Emergency Medicine

Emory School of Medicine

Alex Isakov’s Emory University Profile

Matt Sasser, MD

Medical Director, MedSTAR Transport

Medical Director, Baltimore Ravens M&T Bank Stadium

Emergency Physician, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

Matt Sasser’s MedStar Health Profile

Host

Jill Morgan, RN

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

Resources

• NETEC EMS Biosafety Transport for Operators online course
• NETEC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Featured Resources
• NETEC Special Pathogen Operational Readiness Assessment for Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• ASPR TRACIE EMS Infectious Disease Playboo
• EMS Model Procedural Guidelines for Special Pathogens
• NETEC Resource Library

About NETEC

A Partnership for Preparedness

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

NETEC Consultation Services

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.