Lee’s School of Nursing (SON) recently hosted a mass casualty event for its nursing students to gain realistic, hands-on experience in emergent medicine. The drill was modeled after a tornado emergency scenario, with approximately 250 students participating.
 
“I watched our senior nursing students become nurses right before my eyes!” said Shannon McBrayer, director of simulation and experiential learning in Lee’s SON. “Some took leadership roles and directed their teams, while others supported by being hands and feet—but all the while they worked together efficiently.”
 
In addition to the nursing students, Lee students from athletic training, disaster and healthcare mission management (DHMM), and criminal justice participated in the simulation. Students also came from area schools, including Cleveland High, Bradley Central High, Walker Valley High, PIE Center, and Hixson High.
 
“We are always excited for people to get involved whether it is as survivors needing care, different majors contributing their expertise, or others that simply want to lend a hand in other ways,” said Jacob Fast, director of DHMM and assistant professor of science in emergency management.
 
The simulation included injuries from collapsed buildings, impalements from wind-thrown objects, burns, and car accidents.
 
“Through the mass casualty simulation, students experience realistic, hands-on scenarios that challenge them to work effectively under pressure,” said McBrayer. “Collaborating in teams, they gained practical experience, built confidence, and developed skills that will help them respond successfully in real-life emergencies, ultimately preparing them to save lives.”
 
For more information about the School of Nursing, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing.