The College of Nursing hosted a Disaster Day simulation on April 25, 2024. The “disaster” was centered around an active shooter event at a community concert. Students, facilitators and resource personnel from AUCON, VCOM and the Harrison College of Pharmacy were present at the simulation. “Including the Disaster Day simulation in a nursing program is essential for preparing nursing students to effectively respond to emergencies and provide high-quality care to patients in times of crisis,” said Dr. Tiffani Chidume, associate clinical professor and simulation center coordinator. “Interprofessional learning experiences are a key component of our curriculum and that of many other healthcare disciplines across campus. We want our students to leave Auburn prepared to work collaboratively with all members of the healthcare team,” added Dr. Rachel Helms, assistant clinical professor, who coordinates interprofessional education at AUCON.
The simulation was organized by Chidume and Helms. In a dynamic scenario, high-fidelity simulators and simulated clients conditions changed based on student interventions or lack thereof. Students were asked to be prepared to calmly multitask and think critically as they worked together as a team. Multiple victims with varying injuries were presented to the emergency department simultaneously, changing the team’s triage, clinical management, communication, and coordination.
Core clients included a 35-year-old with a gunshot wound to the chest, a 28-year-old victim trampled during the chaos, a 28-year-old at 37 weeks gestation in active labor, and a child (6-year-old or 9-month-old) with a closed fracture of the forearm. There were also many distractor cases in which the students could provide care, including a situation where a non-English-speaking client needed assistance but could not be understood, clients with miscellaneous wounds were walking around yelling in pain for someone to help them, and disorderly conduct by inebriated concertgoers.
Students applied their knowledge of proper triage and prioritization of critical clients and of therapeutic and effective communication. This simulation emphasized the unique challenges and responsibilities that nurses face during disasters. It highlighted the importance of preparedness, quick decision-making, adaptability, employing strategies for communicating with patients, families, colleagues, and other healthcare providers in chaotic and high-stress environments.
After each simulation, debriefing sessions were held to discuss what went well, what could have been improved, and key lessons learned. Students were encouraged to reflect on their experiences and consider how they can apply their knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to all involved for your efforts in making Disaster Day a success,” said Chidume and Helms. “The hard work and coordination were instrumental in providing an authentic, high-stress learning environment. From standardized patients to the faculty and facilitators to volunteers — every role was vital. We're thrilled the event was so well-received, with participants and observers commenting on how beneficial it was for developing critical skills like triage, coordination, and resource management. The passion and expertise of this interprofessional team truly shined through. Our deepest thanks to each one of you for your time, energy, and teamwork.”
