Gadsden State Conducts Realistic Mass Casualty Simulation for Health Sciences Students

Gadsden, AL – The Wallace Drive Campus of Gadsden State Community College resembled a disaster zone on Friday, May 2nd. Debris was scattered across the grounds, and injured victims, some severely, were crying out for help. But this wasn’t the aftermath of an actual tornado—it was a meticulously planned simulation conducted by the Health Sciences Division to train students for real-life emergencies.

The mass casualty exercise provided a valuable, hands-on learning experience for students in the Nursing and EMT departments. It was designed to mirror the chaos and urgency of a large-scale disaster, preparing students to triage, transport, and treat patients under pressure. Volunteers played the roles of victims, while students were tasked with evaluating and responding to injuries of varying severity.

Supporting the event were professionals from fire and EMS services, including the Gadsden Fire Department, Flight Medic Units, and ambulance services, along with real hospital staff and Gadsden State Police, who managed safety and traffic control. Their involvement added a powerful dose of realism to the exercise.

Leadership and Planning Behind the Scenes

The simulation was led by Dr. Evelyn Lightsey, Simulations Coordinator at GSCC, and John Hollingsworth, EMS Director. Dr. Joey Battles, Dean of Health Sciences, also attended and oversaw the exercise. Command staff included Brian Selke (EMS Faculty), Safety Officer Colton Harden (Lt., Gadsden State Police), and Public Information Officer Austin Tillison (PR Director, GSCC).

The event took over 16 months of careful planning by a diverse and highly skilled team, including:

• Ann Payne (Emergency Management Specialist, Etowah EMA)
• Autumn Hardeman (Radiologic Technology, GSCC)
• Joseph Thomas (Medical Lab Technology, GSCC)
• Danetta McDaniel and Nichole Tolbert (Nursing, GSCC)
• Mitchell Upchurch (Education Coordinator, Survival Flight)
• Eric Estes (Training Chief, Gadsden Fire Dept.)
• Brian Osborn (Supervisor, American Emergency Medical Dispatch)
• Brandy Wolfe (Operations Manager, Advantage EMS)
• Sammi Stephenson (Operations Manager, Anniston EMS)
• Brooke McFry (Administrative Assistant, Piedmont Rescue)

Pre-Event Briefings and Training Objectives

Before the event, students gathered for a briefing with Dr. Lightsey. She explained the purpose of the training and emphasized that it was not a test, but a unique opportunity to learn through immersion. Mistakes were not just expected—they were welcomed as learning experiences.

Students from various programs—Nursing, EMS, Radiology, Phlebotomy, and Laboratory Technology—were assigned realistic roles to reflect real-world interdisciplinary care teams. The exercise aimed to foster teamwork, critical thinking, and communication among the various healthcare disciplines.

Realism in Action

Meanwhile, volunteers assigned as “victims” were briefed in another building. Many were fitted with realistic prosthetic injuries and instructed on their roles. Some were even covered in dirt for added realism. When the simulation began, victims took their places in the field—some under debris, others in a crash simulator—and began acting out their scenarios.

Students conducted triage, determined priorities for care, and coordinated patient transport. Real ambulances were used, and the Simulation Center of Gadsden State Community College’s Health Sciences Department was used for emergency rooms, labs, and imaging departments. Some students even practiced procedures like drawing blood on prosthetic limbs to simulate real treatment while maintaining safety for the actors.

High-Impact Learning Outcomes

The exercise’s objectives included:

• Demonstrating effective communication and teamwork
• Applying critical thinking and clinical judgment in chaotic environments
• Practicing leadership and delegation
• Using evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Performing emergency procedures
• Respecting each team member’s role in patient care
• Maintaining situational awareness and adhering to safety protocols

Observers noted the professionalism of the students, who conducted themselves with a level of skill and empathy that made it hard to believe they were still in training. They provided comfort to victims, coordinated logistics, and made critical care decisions as if they were seasoned professionals.

Emotional Support and Debriefing

Following the exercise, students gathered for a debriefing session. They reflected on what they had learned—both clinically and emotionally. Dr. Juliana Davis, ALLEAPS Regional Coordinator, addressed the group about the emotional toll such scenarios—and real-life emergencies—can have on healthcare professionals. She urged students to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed.

A Model for Future Training

The simulation was widely regarded as a success. Both students and faculty praised the experience for its realism and educational value. Events like this give students a critical head start before entering the workforce, where such skills are not just helpful—they are life-saving.

Gadsden State’s commitment to providing immersive, real-world training demonstrates forward-thinking leadership and a deep dedication to the success and well-being of its students—and ultimately, the communities they will serve.

A gallery from the event is available below: