GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College’s Health Sciences Division hosted a large-scale mass casualty incident simulation on April 17 at its Wallace Drive Campus, offering students a hands-on, interprofessional training experience designed to mirror real-world emergency situations.
The exercise centered on a simulated bus crash involving multiple injuries. Participants were tasked with rapidly assessing the scene, prioritizing treatment, and coordinating care in a high-pressure environment. The scenario challenged students to apply classroom knowledge in real time while adapting to the unpredictability often associated with emergency response.
Students and faculty from a wide range of programs—including Nursing, EMS, Medical Laboratory Technology, Dental Assisting, Radiologic Technology, Sonography, Surgical Technology, and Medical Assisting—worked together throughout the simulation. The collaborative effort emphasized the importance of communication, teamwork, and clearly defined roles in delivering effective patient care.
“I think we all learned together how to take care of our patients and make sure they’re stable. I got to work in the ER and better understand the patient flow,” said Kyndal Alvarez, a second-year nursing student. “I learned how chaotic it can get, but everyone reacted very well. It was an awesome experience and I’m glad I got to be part of it.”
Local emergency response agencies partnered in the event, contributing to the realism of the exercise and strengthening collaboration between students and active first responders. A LifeFlight helicopter landing on campus was among the highlights, offering participants exposure to emergency air transport operations.
“This experience allows our students to move beyond theory and step into the realities of emergency response,” said Joey Battles, dean of Health Sciences. “Working in an interprofessional environment alongside our community partners prepares them to think critically, communicate effectively, and respond with confidence when it matters most.”
In addition to student training, the simulation provided an opportunity for participating agencies to enhance coordination and identify areas for continued partnership in future training and response efforts.
Gadsden State continues to emphasize hands-on learning experiences aimed at preparing students for high-demand healthcare careers while supporting regional workforce needs.
