Beckley nursing students assist with Clay County CERT training

BECKLEY, W. Va. – The WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus recently supported training efforts for the Clay County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) during a simulated active shooter event.

Last year, nursing lecturer Kelley Coleman developed a community partnership with the Clay County CERT, which is part of the national Citizen Corps effort to incorporate and utilize volunteers in the community. CERT trains volunteers in basic response techniques in effort to assist local citizens and first responders in disaster or emergency situations.

On Dec. 30, 2024, the Clay County CERT planned and hosted an active shooter training activity to help local and state emergency responders and response systems be prepared in case of an emergency.

“Our students played a vital role in this training as we were among the students and teachers who were acting as if it was a regular school day,” Coleman said. “When our classroom was ‘breached,’ it allowed for vital training opportunities for law enforcement to locate and neutralize the threat. It also allowed emergency medical personnel to triage, treat, and transport the wounded or deceased. Lastly, we also presented to a local hospital as ‘victims’ to aid them in testing their protocols.”

Coleman said the training was mutually beneficial, as the Beckley Campus nursing students received two educational sessions. At the active shooter drill, they learned first how to run, hide or fight, then how to help at the scene after it is cleared. They also learned more at the hospital about trauma nursing and the procedures at an emergency room from a nurse’s perspective.

“The students loved the exercise and were thankful for the opportunity to help further the mission of all involved,” Coleman said. “These students were shining examples of how community partnerships help all involved.”

-WVU-

CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu