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Experiential learning took on a whole new meaning at Central Connecticut State University during a recent mass casualty simulation.
Central hosted the simulation on Feb. 28 at Kaiser Hall with students in the Athletic Training, Nursing, and Theatre programs—the first simulation of its kind in the state—in collaboration with New Britain emergency medical/first responders, Central Police, and Wellness Services staff.
The goal was to illustrate the unique challenges of responding to a mass casualty incident (MCI) for emergency and medical personnel. Learning outcomes for these simulations include understanding what entails a MCI; triage and treatment methods in a public setting; effective collaboration with emergency services personnel; and ethical considerations in mass casualty situations, among others.
“By providing this type of simulation in this setting, I think it makes students better prepared. If an actual crisis happens, they’ll reflect back on this scenario and their reaction to it,” said Thomas McCarthy, an athletic trainer and associate professor in the Physical Education & Human Performance Department.
Central’s university Marketing and Communications staff photographed and videotaped the simulation for future training sessions.
Participants engaged in two simulation sessions throughout the morning of Feb. 28, with each beginning with a briefing led by New Britain EMS Academy instructors and paramedics.
"Interdepartmental training and community partnerships prepare Central students and staff to respond to real-life emergencies on campus,” said Victor Morrone, director of the Paramedic program at New Britain Emergency Medical Services. “Drills like this allow us to practice lifesaving skills in real time. The more we collaborate, the better we are prepared to respond to real-world scenarios.”
During each 15-minute simulation, students and staff “responded” to a mass shooting at a sporting event in accordance with an established emergency action plan.
The Athletic Training and Nursing students were tasked with assessing the safety of the scene and then searching for and providing rapid response care to the shooting victims and bystanders.
The sounds of sirens and people in distress added extra doses of realism to each simulation. Additional challenges added to Central’s particular simulation scenarios included a high number of casualties; delayed EMS response due to the ongoing threat and crowd chaos; and limited medical resources on-site.
Students in the Theatre program portrayed “victims” with varying injuries—such as gunshot wounds with and without exit wounds—and bystanders in psychological distress, using theatrical makeup and fake blood, first aid supplies, and medical simulation products.
“The Theatre Department has been glad to participate in a number of patient simulations with the Nursing Department over the past few semesters,” said Theatre Department chair Christie Maturo. “I am proud the actors have had opportunities to share their talents with other departments on campus and be part of creating immersive curricular experiences.”
Each simulation included a de-briefing to review lessons learned and discuss the psychological impacts of responding to an MCI. Central Wellness Services staff also were available throughout the simulation to provide support to participants and staff.
Kathy Pirog, an athletic trainer and professor in the Physical Education & Human Performance Department, praised her colleagues and students for their solid teamwork throughout the stressful simulation.
“We give a lot of credit to everyone—the simulation wouldn’t have worked the way it did without this level of coordination,” Pirog said. “We hope they never have to use this skill, but we have to continue to do this type of training. It’s good for our Athletic Training and Nursing programs, and it’s good for us to practice these emergency actions plans. It’s one thing to talk about it, it’s another thing to do it.”