Claremore, OK – Rogers State University (RSU) nursing students took part in a realistic disaster exercise on Saturday, working side‑by‑side with local emergency agencies to hone their skills for mass‑casualty incidents.
Mock train‑collision scenario
The drill was staged near a railroad crossing in Verdigris and simulated a catastrophic collision between a train, a school bus and several other vehicles. Dozens of mock injuries – ranging from minor cuts to life‑threatening wounds – were placed on volunteer victims from Northeast Tech and other RSU students.
Students were tasked with quickly assessing each victim, triaging the most serious cases and delivering appropriate treatment under the pressure of a high‑stress environment. “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.
Collaboration with local agencies
The exercise was made possible by a coalition of local partners, including Rogers County Emergency Management, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Verdigris Fire Department, Verdigris Police Department, Verdigris Public Schools and Dunlap Wrecker. Their involvement supplied the realistic setting, equipment and guidance needed for the students to practice real‑world response tactics.
In addition to the disaster drill, the nursing cohort completed a Stop the Bleed certification course taught by RSU Chief of Police Joe Batt and Officer Rey Torres. The program teaches lifesaving techniques to control severe bleeding until professional responders arrive, a skill set increasingly recognized as essential for both medical professionals and the broader public.
Preparing future caregivers
RSU emphasizes that hands‑on training builds a strong foundation in patient care, critical thinking and healthcare systems. “These skills prepare graduates to make informed decisions and deliver effective care in high‑pressure healthcare settings,” the university noted in a statement.
By integrating disaster preparedness into the curriculum, RSU aims to ensure that its nursing graduates are ready to serve their communities when emergencies arise, reinforcing the vital role of local health professionals in safeguarding public safety.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
