VCOM View Magazine Vol. 14 | No. 1

Outreach Enhancing Disaster Preparedness VCOM-Louisiana and ULM Kitty DeGree School of Nursing Collaborate on Interdisciplanary Training Event I n April, VCOM-Louisiana’s second-year medical students participated in a two-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program training. This event, aimed at preparing future by Danielle Voumard

these medical professionals are equipped to serve as volunteers during a disaster so they can respond effectively when needed. This is the third year of CERT training, which has been integrated into the VCOM-Louisiana curriculum. The first day focused on skills training for all eight units of CERT. Day two featured an interdisciplinary exercise showcasing the power of collaboration. Nursing students from the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) Kitty DeGree School of Nursing played the role of “tornado victims” in a mass casualty scenario, providing valuable practice for VCOM students in rescuing victims and managing disaster related injuries. Serving as simulated tornado victims was more than just role-playing for the nursing students—it was a valuable experiential learning opportunity. By participating in the mass casualty exercise, the nursing students could observe emergency response protocols firsthand and gain insight into the coordination and communication during high-stress, multi-agency situations. It also offered a chance to experience patient care from a different perspective, deepening their empathy and understanding of trauma-informed care.

healthcare professionals for disaster response, was made possible through a remarkable collaboration of several agencies, each contributing their expertise to create a comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning experience. The CERT program, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), educates volunteers on the fundamentals of disaster preparedness and teaches vital response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization. This training empowers CERT-trained individuals—including physicians—to provide immediate assistance, organize volunteers, and support emergency services during a crisis. The CERT training of VCOM-Louisiana students is the result of a unique partnership between the College and Volunteer Louisiana within the Office of Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. The objective is to educate future doctors about disaster readiness and response, ensuring that

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