Lessons Learned from Health Care Students Playing Victim in Mass Casualty Incident Disaster Drill

Abstract

Purpose To educate health care students on the importance of emergency preparedness and disaster response training related to self-confidence and critical thinking needed when caring for victims of mass casualty incidents (MCI).

Method A mixed-method design was employed. A post intervention-survey was administered to radiologic sciences and nursing students following their participation in a full-scale mass casualty disaster drill scenario. The quantitative data are presented as descriptive statistics along with Bowker’s Test of Symmetry. The open-ended questions were analyzed for patterns of similarity and differences among student responses. Several questions asked participants to evaluate their perceived knowledge and confidence before and after their participation in the MCI simulation.

Results Data demonstrated that participants were made aware of their limited knowledge concerning necessary patient care skills needed during an MCI. In comparing the students’ willingness to care for MCI patients before the mock drill to after the mock drill, the students’ willingness increased and was statistically significant as indicated by a Bowker’s Test of Symmetry. Similarly, in comparing the students’ perceived confidence of their patient care skills before and after the mock drill, the participant's confidence level increased and was statistically significant as indicated by a second Bowker’s Test.

Discussion Participants gained new knowledge of how community partners work together in response to an MCI event and the different roles each play. Additional take-away lessons revealed an increase in patient empathy. Both qualitative and quantitative questions highlight the students’ emotions and behavioral reactions as a result of acting as a trauma patient in the disaster drill.

Conclusion The full-scale disaster drill was an effective tool in educating health care students of the diverse emergency operations that take place following a disaster and what is required to save lives.