Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) held its second annual Disaster Day Interprofessional Simulation on November 21, bringing together more than 1,050 participants for an emergency preparedness exercise. The event included FGCU students and faculty, volunteer “patients,” and representatives from over two dozen regional healthcare and public safety agencies.
The simulation was designed to give 270 Marieb College of Health & Human Services students practical experience in responding to a large-scale disaster scenario—a simulated hurricane with mass casualties. Ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, and a medical helicopter were used to create a realistic environment. Faculty members and experts from across Florida instructed students on patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, CPR procedures, and bleeding control during the drill.
Joe Buhain, assistant professor and director of interprofessional simulation and emerging technology at FGCU, said: “As we say in the military, this is serving the cause — being able to bring a thousand people here to practice emergency preparedness and giving students the opportunity to experience this.”
The exercise took place on Recreation Field 1 where Florida State Guard members joined FGCU students in triaging about 300 mock victims—some manikins but most volunteers acting out injuries or requiring special communication needs such as sign language interpretation. Students worked alongside first responders to assess conditions under pressure.
Courtney Pledger, assistant professor in the physician assistant program at FGCU, told students before the simulation: “You have to decide as a team which patients are most likely to survive and which are most appropriate to get transportation with limited resources at hand.”
Ariella VanHara, clinical assistant professor in social work at FGCU led mental health evaluation training. She said: “Everyone responds to crisis differently. You have to treat everyone based on how they’re presenting and the best way to support them.”
Students from various disciplines participated including nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, social work, performing arts, public health, exercise science, counseling and clinical lab sciences. Buhain commented: “What they’re doing here today, textbooks cannot touch this.”
Senior nursing major Abigail Walter described her experience after treating simulated injuries: “It’s a little overwhelming at first, but once you get in the groove you just start putting everything you’ve learned to use. It’s a good feeling to know you can be useful.” Fellow student Peyton Webb added: “It was great to collaborate with different agencies and speak with people we’re going to work with in the community.”
Agencies involved included Lee Health, NCH Healthcare System (https://nchmd.org/), American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/), Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/), as well as local fire departments and EMS services.
Dariana Molino of the Red Cross stated: “It’s crucial for everyone to be prepared for disasters like hurricanes, but we can’t do this work alone. It’s good for (students) to get to know these organizations. They are the future of our community.”
Lucas Karth of San Carlos Park Fire & Rescue highlighted collaboration between university staff and community partners: “Events like this show the importance of collaborative partnerships between the university and the community.”
Animal-assisted crisis response was also featured during Disaster Day. Bridget Belanger from FGCU arranged for five handlers from Beesley’s Paw Prints pet-therapy organization—and their dogs—to participate. She explained that therapy animals help reduce stress during emergencies while providing comfort where needed.
Belanger said: “For the handlers your job is the dog. For the students their job is the victim.” She noted that animals did not interact with those portraying open wounds due to infection concerns but were available for psychological support.
“We know the therapeutic effects of placing an animal in a disaster,” Belanger said. “It’s grounding — and we have the research to back that up. Our role today is to provide comfort wherever it’s needed.”
Therapy dog Simba attended with handler Kathy Guyitt who volunteers regularly at FGCU events along with other local sites since earning certification last year.
Guyitt remarked: “I’ve really enjoyed coming here and meeting with OT and PT students. The students show Simba respect and that’s what I appreciate.”
