ATSU-KCOM holds annual disaster simulation
Posted: April 26, 2019
A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) held its annual Advanced Disaster Life Support mass-casualty simulation Saturday, April 13, 2019. The Advanced Disaster Life Support elective course is offered to ATSU and Truman State University students and is taught by ATSU faculty, Truman faculty, and ATSU-KCOM second-year students who have taken both the basic and advanced courses. The course spans three days, with each day consisting of lectures and activities designed to prepare emergency personnel for mass casualty disasters.
The course culminated April 13 with a vehicle extraction exercise and personal protective equipment demonstration led by Kirksville Fire Department, and the mass casualty event was held in the afternoon simulating a tornado disaster. The simulation required students to assess injuries, prioritize patients, organize, and distribute minimum supplies. Students had to accommodate
“The situations were evolving to add the most stress we possibly could, in an already stressful environment,” said Crystal Lafleur, OMS II, ATSU-KCOM. “For example, the scenario included chemical contamination, power loss at the medical facility, and a person taking hostages.”
Approximately 45 ATSU faculty & staff, Truman students, local high school students, and community member volunteers played the role of patients. Volunteers from Truman’s theatre department assisted with the moulage make-up.