GSW nursing students partner with FEMA for disaster simulation training

AMERICUS, G. (April 28, 2025) — Georgia Southwestern State University's (GSW) College of Nursing and Health Sciences recently provided students with a powerful, real-world learning experience through a full-scale disaster simulation in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Nursing students in GSW’s ASN and BSN programs suited up in full hazmat gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) as they responded to a variety of mock emergency scenarios, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events. The Americus Fire Department collaborated in the event, leading a decontamination training exercise on-site.

“The goal is to get new nurses mentally prepared for dealing with the chaos of mass casualty incidents,” said Gary Mackey, a FEMA instructor. “When your resources are stretched thin and patients outnumber beds, nurses must be able to think clearly and act decisively.”

This unique training opportunity, known as the HERO (Healthcare Emergency Response Operations) course, was made possible after a previously scheduled two-day FEMA training in Anniston, Alabama, was canceled. Recognizing the critical need for this type of education, FEMA officials worked directly with GSW to develop an on-campus experience tailored to nursing curriculum needs.

Throughout the day, students were challenged to complete essential nursing skills — including administering injections, applying splints, and performing triage assessments — while fully suited in PPE. They also practiced decontamination procedures for both patients and medical gear. The exercise aimed to prepare nursing students for real-world emergencies, teaching them how to handle mass casualty events where medical resources may be overwhelmed.

“This simulation not only prepared our students for their future careers but also strengthened the University's role as a vital resource in our community’s emergency response efforts,” said Jessica Ouzts, GSW's Simulation Education Coordinator.

GSW has a longstanding commitment to emergency preparedness. After the devastating EF-3 tornado that struck Americus in 2007, the design of Carter 1 — GSW’s nursing building — intentionally incorporated the ability to serve as an emergency triage center for Sumter County residents. With built-in oxygen lines and adaptable lab spaces, Carter 1 is fully equipped to transition into a functional care facility if needed.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and deeply grateful to our partners for providing this exceptional learning opportunity,” said Courtney Ross, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “This experience will have a lasting impact on their education and their ability to serve in critical situations.”

For more information about GSW’s nursing programs, visit www.gsw.edu.