Disaster Day

Approximately 60 students participate on the DD Student Planning Committee (SPC), which begins organizing the event the fall before the simulation takes place.  These students work in sub-committees focused on various aspects of the event (e.g., clinical case development, logistics, therapeutics, etc.).  The DD Steering Committee - which is comprised of HSC faculty and staff, TEEX staff, and other disaster response professionals - advises and guides the SPC in their efforts (see Org Chart below).

Students from multiple health and healthcare disciplines serve as leaders and other professionals during the event. 

Disaster Response Leadership Team (DRLT)

The incident command structure (ICS) for the disaster is run by a small group of student leaders (~20) known as the Disaster Response Leadership Team (DRLT).  The DRLT students receive additional role training starting in the fall semester.  This leadership provides for a smoother simulation on event day.  DLRT roles include: 

• Incident Commander (IC): Overall command and coordination of the field hospital's operations. Manages resource allocation, decision-making, and communication with external authorities. 

• Deputy Incident Commander: Assists the IC in managing overall operations. Acts as second-in-command, stepping in as needed. 

• Hospital Liaison Officers: Represent each hospital, ensuring external coordination and communication with their respective hospitals. 

• CCP (Casualty Collection Point) Unit Leader: Manages triage, treatment, and stabilization of patients at the CCP before transferring them to field hospitals. 

• Triage Unit Leader: Manages triage, treatment, and stabilization of patients at the CCP before transferring them to field hospitals. 

• Transport Unit Leader: Coordinates patient transport from the CCP or field hospital to other medical facilities. Manages ambulances and other transport logistics. 

• Medical Unit Leaders: Manages the care provided by doctors within their assigned hospital, coordinating treatments and medical care. 

• Nursing Unit Leaders: Oversees nursing operations and ensures that all nursing personnel are effectively deployed for patient care. 

• Pharmacy Unit Supervisor: Manages the procurement, storage, and distribution of medications and medical supplies to ensure appropriate patient care. 

• Reunification Group Supervisor: Manages reunification efforts for patients and their families, overseeing shelter operations where needed. 

• Animal Care Unit Leader: Provides care and shelter for service animals, livestock, and other animals affected by the incident, ensuring veterinary support when necessary. 

Other Event Roles 

Hundreds of health professions and other students fill professional roles as follows: 

This large-scale and complex event takes numerous partners to ensure a realistic and transformational learning experience for our students.  Below is a list of past and current partners, to whom we are grateful for their many contributions: