Long Island Medical Students Train for Crisis Response
Medical students on Long Island are gearing up for scenarios involving mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and serious train derailments through an intensive emergency response program.
Recently, students at the Northwell Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine concluded an eight-week EMT course by participating in a large-scale simulated disaster.
While the chaos was staged, the lessons learned were very much based in reality.
John Brady, a freshman medical student, remarked, “I thought it would be easy to help people off derailed trains.” However, he quickly realized, “There was a lot happening at once, and many moving parts to manage.”
Brady, along with his peers, interacted with actors portraying victims, all while managing the escalating crises around them.
Another student, Kaylen Argueta, expressed that the intensity of the simulation was surprising. She noted, “In medicine, it’s essential to combine clinical and interpersonal skills.”
The training included scenarios ranging from bombings to material spills, preparing students to handle high-pressure situations with numerous casualties.
Paul Wiles, chief instructor at the Nassau County Firefighters Academy, emphasized the importance of the experience, noting that the students would carry these lessons with them. “What you’ve gone through today will fundamentally change how you approach crises,” he said, advising them to be aware of the psychological impacts on victims.
