Nursing seniors strengthen emergency skills in tornado disaster simulation
The junior “actors” from the disaster scenario included Brooklynn Rohrbaugh, Kaitlyn McKenery, Abigail Cadigan, Cadence Carpenter, Sarah Wharton, Hannah Loar, Zoey Braithwaite, Katelynn Rice, Abigail Smith, and Amber Smith.
KEYSER, W.Va. — In an immersive learning experience, Dr. Kasey Beckman-Sirk led West Virginia University School of Nursing Keyser Campus seniors in a tornado disaster simulation as part of the NSG 411: Nursing in Complex Community Systems course.
The event, held at the recreation center, transformed the space into an outpatient clinic hit by a simulated tornado. Tables were used as beds, and equipment such as IV pumps and oxygen supplies were scattered throughout the "clinic" to create a realistic disaster scene.
The senior nursing students worked in pairs to assess and triage “patients,” all of whom were junior nursing students with makeup to simulate various injuries. Each student was assigned a role, bringing authenticity to the exercise.
Using the START/JumpSTART triage tool, seniors classified injuries as green (minor), yellow (delayed), red (immediate and life-threatening), or black (deceased or expectant). This hands-on approach gave seniors the opportunity to practice essential clinical judgment, assessment, and emergency response skills under pressure.
Following the exercise, seniors gathered to reflect on their experiences and the lessons they gained. Participants rated the simulation’s effectiveness a 5 out of 5. Comments included appreciation for the collaborative, team-oriented environment, the value of working through difficult assessments, and the preparation for real-world disaster situations.
One student remarked, “This was a good way to prepare for a disaster. It helped us understand the assessment tool better.”
Another student added, “Being able to have this in a controlled setting allowed me to stay calm and work my way through the patients.”
The tornado disaster simulation left both seniors and juniors with a memorable learning experience, further preparing them for future nursing careers in complex and high-pressure environments.
-WVU-
ap/11/14/2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu