By Sarah Kuper
Samford University’s College of Health Sciences held an emergency response drill for its students April 5 at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood.
At least 300 students from many of the college’s health sciences departments were tasked with helping those injured after a mock earthquake.
The simulated disaster helped Samford students learn to triage patients, treat minor and major injuries and address victims in emotional distress.
Students encountered victims dealing with surface wounds, amputated limbs, debris inhalation, electric shock and even childbirth.
Community members from senior adults to young children volunteered to act as injured victims.
One of the goals of the drill was to force students to think about what steps to take outside of a controlled medical environment and to work in multidisciplinary teams.
This is the fifth year for the drill but the first time the event has been held off campus and on such a large scale.
Other emergency responders from the area who helped facilitate the drill included the American Red Cross, Jefferson County EMA, Homewood Fire and Police, North Flight and regional paramedic centers.