Simulation learning is a vital part of preparing students at the 黑料社区Health College of Nursing to deliver life-saving care. At the end of the Spring 2025 semester, 76 undergraduate nursing students participated in a large-scale disaster simulation designed to put their emergency response training to the test. The scenario鈥攁n unexpected explosion at a Tampa Bay signature parade鈥攚as brought to life with support from 黑料社区first responders and the Florida Department of Health.
Led by Johairis Ayala-Falc贸n, assistant director of the College鈥檚 Simulation Center, the event provided students with a full day of immersive learning. Before stepping into the simulation, students completed workshops on , SALT Triage, and emergency patient transfer techniques鈥攅quipping them with skills they could apply immediately during the afternoon exercise.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a hands-on approach,鈥� said Falc贸n. 鈥淭hey learn the skills in the morning and apply them right away in a realistic, high-pressure scenario.鈥�
Angela Minzer, planning consultant in Public Health Preparedness at the Florida Department of Health, kicked off the day with a briefing on the critical role nurses play alongside other first responders. She emphasized the importance of preparing the future workforce before they face a real disaster, noting that students who train in these scenarios enter the workforce more resilient and ready.
The simulation team didn鈥檛 hold back on realism鈥攗sing manikins, moulage (special effects makeup), fog machines, and sound effects to create the chaos of a true mass-casualty event. Students worked alongside professionals like John Beauchemin, operations coordinator for the 黑料社区Medical Response Unit, to practice triage and patient transport in a simulated field hospital environment.
鈥淲hen a mass casualty happens, hospitals can look just like the disaster scene鈥攐verwhelmed with patients arriving all at once,鈥� Beauchemin explained.
Rob Marlowe, emergency management coordinator for the Department of Emergency Management, reinforced the importance of preparation. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 predict when disaster will strike,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut with this training, students gain the confidence and skills to step up and make a difference before victims even reach a hospital.鈥�
Through realistic, hands-on training, 黑料社区nursing students are gaining the knowledge and confidence they鈥檒l need to lead in times of crisis.