A training simulation at the Cooley University Life Center courtyard on April 1 challenged students from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, and UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. The exercise aimed to prepare them for emergency scenarios by simulating a mass casualty event.
Organized by the Center for Interprofessional Collaboration, the event depicted the aftermath of a fictional mass shooting. Faculty and staff acted as victims, requiring students to evaluate injuries, administer first aid, and manage patient care under pressure. The scenario then moved to a simulated hospital, where students dealt with the challenges of an overloaded emergency room.
Throughout the exercise, faculty evaluated students' teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, providing feedback for their improvement.
Elda Ramirez, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, and co-director of the center, noted the drill's significance. "This is valuable in the context of professionalism, emotional intelligence, and communication," said Ramirez. "It helps everybody understand that in chaotic moments, keeping the mission in mind — the patient’s well-being — is the priority."
Jared Imber, a fourth-year McGovern Medical School student, reflected on his leadership role in the simulated hospital. "It was a really chaotic environment," Imber said. "Being out in the field was something we hadn't really experienced. But it’s good to have that experience so that if it ever happens, we're prepared for it."
Jayvin Patel, an MPH student at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health who was involved in the exercise's coordination, described the event as "surreal." He said, "The actors really got into their roles; it caught me off guard how real it seemed."
Now in its fifth year, the annual simulation remains a key training exercise for future healthcare professionals, equipping them to handle real-life emergencies.
