Marieb College plans SWFL’s largest-ever ‘Disaster Day’ training for students

October 01, 2024

FGCU will soon serve as the stage for Southwest Florida’s largest disaster day simulation. On November 15, Marieb College of Health & Human Services will host a Disaster Day Interprofessional Simulation event.

Two physician assistant students dressed in gray scrubs are practicing using stethoscopes on a high fidelity simulated mannequin wearing a hospital gown and laying on a gurney.

Physician assistant students at the Marieb College of Health & Human Services test their knowledge and practice their skills on a high fidelity simulated mannequin.

Approximately 300 FGCU healthcare students will participate in this interprofessional simulation event, where they will work under high pressure to diagnose, treat and care for patients affected by a simulated natural disaster.

First responders, air medical transport, local hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, patient actors, simulated mannequins and a variety of healthcare professionals from across the region will be part of the event, which will be held at the Cohen Student Union and Recreation Field 1. Over 60 Marieb faculty, and about 100 patient actors – a mix of FGCU students, volunteers and employees – are expected to take part in this event.

The goal of the simulation is to enhance interprofessional collaboration (communication and teamwork) among healthcare students and improve their disaster response skills in realistic emergency scenarios.

This type of training is beneficial for healthcare students for many reasons, including:

Assessment and Evaluation: Students are tested on their ability to apply what they have learned in the classroom such as critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving skills. This form of assessment is more reflective of real-world challenges than traditional exams.

Treatment and Response: Disaster training enhances students’ ability to manage complex and often chaotic situations. By simulating disaster scenarios, students learn to prioritize care, allocate resources and work with other healthcare professionals under high pressure. This training makes sure that students are prepared to handle immediate medical needs and can work within a team.

For more information on participating FGCU programs and community partners, contact Dr. Joseph P. Buhain, director of interprofessional simulation and emerging technology for Marieb College of Health & Human Services, at jbuhain@fgcu.edu.