Gadsden State to Host Mass Casualty Simulation for Health Sciences Students
Gadsden—Gadsden State Community College’s Health Sciences Division will host a large-scale mass casualty incident simulation on April 17, 2026, from 7:30a.m. to 12p.m., providing students with hands-on, real-world training alongside local emergency response partners.
The event is a simulation only, and individuals are asked to avoid the area if they are not participating. Clear signage will be posted, and all participants will be made aware that this is a training scenario in a safe, supervised environment.
The simulation will take place at Helderman Hall on the Wallace Drive campus and will bring together students and faculty from multiple health science programs, including Nursing, EMS, Medical Lab Technology, Dental Assisting, Radiologic Technology, Sonography, Surgical Technology and Medical Assisting. The exercise is designed to replicate the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of a real emergency, allowing students to apply their skills in triage, patient care, communication and teamwork.
Community partners will include Advantage EMS, AMED Ambulance, Anniston EMS, Gadsden Fire Department, Gadsden State Police Department, Piedmont Rescue and EMS, Etowah County Emergency Management Agency and SurvivalFlight. Also, the physicians Dr. Neil Christen, Dr. Thomas Corley, Dr. Tom Page, and Dr. Joshua Williams. Their participation will enhance the realism of the simulation and provide valuable collaboration between future healthcare professionals and active emergency responders.
“This type of training is critical for preparing our students to respond with confidence and competence in real emergency situations,” said Evelyn Lightsey, Nursing instructor and co-chair of the simulation committee. “By working alongside community agencies, our students gain experience that goes beyond the classroom and directly into the field. One of the main reasons we conduct this Interprofessional Education (IPE) simulation is to increase our students’ awareness of the roles and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals, while fostering respect, communication, and teamwork across the healthcare disciplines.”
During the simulation, students will respond to a variety of mock injuries and scenarios using equipment and techniques specific to their disciplines. Sonography students will perform bedside FAST ultrasounds, while other programs will coordinate diagnostics and patient care in designated treatment areas.
The event will also serve as an opportunity to strengthen coordination across agencies and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
Gadsden State’s Health Sciences Division continues to prioritize hands-on training experiences that prepare students to meet workforce needs and serve their communities.
If you have questions about this simulation, please contact:
Evelyn Lightsey, Gadsden StateNursing Instructor/Simulation Coordinator
256-549-8332
John Hollingsworth, Gadsden State EMS Director
jhollingsworth@gadsdenstate.edu
256-549-8688
For more information about Gadsden State’s Health Sciences programs, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu/healthsciences
Story and photos from last year’s training:
