In this episode we challenge the misconception that qualitative research is too slow and narrow to influence emergency response planning. Despite the common preference for quantitative data in crises, we spotlight the irreplaceable insights that qualitative research provides—insights into human behaviour, cultural context, and community dynamics that are crucial during emergencies. Join us as we explore real-world examples where nuanced, qualitative data has informed swift, culturally sensitive, and effective emergency responses, proving that in the heat of the moment, every narrative counts.