ATSU hosts 2024 mass casualty simulation with local community partners
Posted: February 29, 2024
A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) medical students and ATSU-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) physician assistant and occupational therapy students spent their Valentine’s Day a little differently than most people this year – by putting their emergency life-saving skills to the test.
In a large-scale interprofessional education collaboration, students teamed up with over 100 standardized patient actors, staff, and instructors, along with medical professionals from Banner Health, first responders from Mesa and Gilbert Fire and Police departments, and medics and nurses from the U.S. Army, for the University’s annual mass casualty simulation and Stop the Bleed training on Feb. 14, 2024.
Led by ATSU-SOMA faculty members Christina Weaver, DO, ’14, assistant dean, innovation and clinical curricular integration, and assistant professors Maurice Lee, MD, MPH, FAAFP, and Danish Javed MD, FAAP, the simulation aims to prepare students for the unexpected and allows them to practice their practical, hands-on lifesaving skills.
After a simulated explosion, students assessed and aided injured patients, and after several minutes of providing emergency “care,” the landing of a Banner Health helicopter signaled the arrival of the first responders, who provided students with feedback and guidance.
Once the helicopter landed, students then had the opportunity to check out the aircraft before heading to a debrief session to reflect on the day’s experiences.
Check out more photos below!
