Pre College Summer Program Participants Experience Real Life Emergency Simulation

Members of the School of Health Professions, the Division of Enterprise Risk Management, Stony Brook Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Safety Division of the Department of Environmental Health & Safety and the University Police Department staged a simulation of a dramatic rescue operation from an automobile accident. Photos by John Griffin.

Participants in the 'Health Professions' week of Stony Brook's inaugural Pre-College Summer Programwere given a firsthand look at how emergency medical personnel manage critical situations on Monday as they witnessed an emergency response to a mock-emergency scenario with a simulated car crash and rescue, including emergency care and extrication.

The event was a collaborative effort involving the School of Health Professions, the Division of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Stony Brook Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Safety Division of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, and the University Police Department. Responders performed a dramatic rescue operation from a car accident, in which one 'victim' (a figure used in training) was ejected out of the back of the car and a second 'victim' was pinned in the driver's seat.

The 25 high school participants in the summer program, ages 15 to 17, eagerly watched as members emergency personnel opened the car doors and removed the roof of the car using the 'Jaws of Life,' which allowed Stony Brook Ambulance Corps members to quickly place the 'victims' on a stretcher, where they were given immediate medical attention before being moved to the ambulance and removed from the scene.

John Gallo, Stony Brook director of fire safety and fire chief, participated in the mock rescue. "Whether it's real or in training, we operate the same way. Hopefully we generated some interest for a potential career," Gallo said of the experience.

The simulation was part of the 'Health Professions' week of Stony Brook University's inaugural Pre-College Summer Program.

Luca Lemma is a rising 12th grade student from Commack, NY, and the experience helped to solidify his decision to pursue a career in health sciences.

"I have a passion for emergency medicine and hope to be an emergency room doctor," he said. "That was amazing, seeing all these people I admire working together and seeing how it all works. My mind is blown and I am so excited to see the rest of this week's journey."

For these high school students, this was their first day in the Pre-College Summer Program, a comprehensive initiative that allows them to explore their academic and professional interests while experiencing campus life during a week-long residential program. Students select a week based on their program interest; this week's program aims to inspire and educate future health professionals by offering them practical and interactive learning opportunities.

The mock-emergency scenario not only provided a thrilling start to their week but also emphasized the importance of teamwork, quick thinking, and medical skills in emergency situations.

- Beth Squire

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