Rogers County, Oklahoma – This week Rogers State University (RSU) nursing students teamed up with a coalition of local first‑responders for a large‑scale mock mass‑casualty exercise. The drill simulated a train colliding with a school bus, creating a high‑stress environment in which volunteers acted as victims with injuries ranging from minor cuts to life‑threatening trauma.
Hands‑on training for future caregivers
“We regularly conduct mock disaster scenarios as part of our community health curriculum, but the support, expertise, and equipment provided by our community partners allowed students to experience an emergency response exercise on an entirely different level,” said RSU Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Nursing Program Coordinator Samantha Rhea. “This was the second train‑collision disaster drill we have conducted, and the experience will help prepare our students to respond confidently and effectively in real‑world emergencies, where their actions could ultimately save lives.”
Students from both Rogers State University and Northeast Tech rotated through victim roles, each assigned a specific injury profile. Under the guidance of seasoned emergency personnel, they practiced rapid assessment, prioritization (triage), and basic life‑saving interventions while navigating a chaotic scene.
Community partners bring real‑world resources
The exercise was a joint effort among Rogers County Emergency Management, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, the Verdigris Fire Department, Verdigris Police Department, Verdigris Public Schools and Dunlap Wrecker. Each agency contributed equipment, expertise and personnel, creating a realistic setting that mirrored the challenges of an actual train‑bus collision.
“Having the railway on board was essential,” noted a Verdigris Fire Department lieutenant. “They provided the train cars and helped us recreate the impact safely, giving our responders a true sense of the scale and urgency such an incident would demand.”
Local law‑enforcement officers coordinated traffic control and crowd management, while the fire department demonstrated rescue techniques and patient transport. School officials observed the drill to better understand how to protect students and staff in future emergencies.
Building a resilient community
Beyond technical skills, the drill emphasized the importance of inter‑agency communication and community cooperation. Participants reported that working side‑by‑side with seasoned professionals deepened their appreciation for the coordinated effort required during a mass‑casualty event.
“The collaboration showed our students that emergency response is a team sport,” Rhea added. “When agencies trust each other and share resources, the entire community benefits.”
Rogers County officials said the exercise will inform future training plans and help refine local emergency protocols. The county’s emergency management director highlighted that such realistic drills are vital for maintaining readiness, especially in a region where rail lines intersect with busy roadways and school routes.
Looking ahead
RSU plans to incorporate additional scenarios, including natural‑disaster simulations and chemical‑spill responses, to broaden student exposure to a variety of emergency contexts. The university also intends to expand partnerships with neighboring districts and private‑sector partners, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare providers is well‑versed in crisis response.
“Our goal is to create a pipeline of skilled, compassionate professionals who can step in when disaster strikes,” Rhea concluded. “By training together now, we safeguard the health and safety of Rogers County for years to come.”
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
