On April 8, 2025, Թϱ-Louisiana's second-year medical students participated in a two-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program training. This event, aimed at preparing future 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 ultimate goal is to train individuals who can support their families and communities when professional responders may be delayed or overwhelmed.
The CERT training of Թϱ-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 these medical professionals are equipped to serve as volunteers during a disaster so they can respond effectively when needed. This is the third year CERT training has been integrated into the Թϱ-Louisiana curriculum.
Day one was skills training for all eight units of CERT. Day two of the training 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 Թϱ 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. This collaboration allowed osteopathic medical and nursing students to appreciate each other's vital role in disaster response.
Disaster Day helps prepare our students for the unfortunate reality that they may one day be involved in a disaster. It gives them a deeper understanding of the many professionals involved in pre-hospital care and what it takes to get someone to the hospital. That awareness makes them more compassionate and informed when patients arrive for care. It also prepares them to act. They’ll have the skills to step in and help if they encounter a disaster.
Numerous local agencies played a key role in ensuring the success of this training. The ULM Police Department provided critical instruction on responding to active shooter scenarios, terrorism, cybersecurity, and workplace violence. The Ouachita Parish Fire Department shared expertise on fire safety, utility controls, and using CERT backpacks—essential disaster response kits provided by Volunteer Louisiana’s Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant The West Monroe Police Department (WMPD) led training on light search and rescue, ensuring students were prepared to assist in locating and rescuing survivors during emergencies.
Թϱ-Louisiana’s two mobile medical units—made possible through a partnership with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury—were integrated into the exercises, giving students hands-on experience in triaging patients as it served to house necessary triage supplies. Additionally, the American Red Cross, in collaboration with Volunteer America, ran shelter simulation exercises to prepare students for managing shelter operations during a disaster. “Թϱ-Louisiana medical students are likely to serve in a shelter in disaster relief, which is why the Red Cross shelter exercises are so important,” Dr. Lipka explained. “After this training, they’re certified and eligible to be activated through the hospital where they’re completing their rotation, should a disaster occur in that area.”
A special note of gratitude is extended to MKay Bonner, PhD, of the ULM psychology department and Mark Johnson, PhD, of the ULM criminal justice department. Johnson planned and executed the day-two mass casualty incident simulation with support from West Monroe CERT team leader Jim Addison and ULM’s campus CERT team members. Also, WMPD Captain CJ Beck and community members from the West Monroe CERT team planned and executed the light search and rescue simulation exercise on day one.
Special thanks are also extended to the Louisiana Baptists Disaster Relief, who provided meals for all participants throughout the two-day event. These contributions were invaluable in ensuring the success of the training and the students' readiness to serve their communities in the face of a disaster.
This two-day training was more than just an educational opportunity—it demonstrated the power of interagency collaboration. The combined efforts of each organization have ensured that Թϱ-Louisiana students are prepared and equipped to step up in times of crisis. With this knowledge and hands-on experience, they are ready to make a difference in their communities when disaster strikes.
