Per the press release, Gadsden State Students participated in a pre-planned mass casualty simulation designed to give nursing and paramedic students vital hands-on experience before they enter the workforce. According to the press release, More than 100 students from Nursing, Emergency Medical Services, Radiography and Medical Laboratory Technician programs participated in the tornado disaster simulation, which replicated a rural neighborhood hit by a devastating storm.

The drill involved multiple simulated casualties, including a critically-injured 32-year-old male pinned beneath debris, a woman trapped in a car on its side and two individuals who were dead upon arrival. The training event was conducted in partnership with Gadsden State’s Police and Public Safety Department and more than a dozen local emergency response agencies. Over 200 volunteers participated to help bring the scene to life.

This was a group effort,” said Dr. Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences at Gadsden State. “The committee delivered the vision. I don’t know if people realize the depth of planning involved in this. Our committee just wants what’s best for the students. They are our main priority.”

“Simulations like these are essential,” Battles said. “They give our students the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen their teamwork and understand what it’s really like to respond when every second counts.” Battles went on to say the goal is to host the mass casualty simulation twice a year to provide students with the best in experiential learning and career readiness.