APSU hosts large-scale simulation to train students on emergency response | VIDEO

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay State University hosted a large-scale simulation on Monday, giving students a hands-on look at what happens after a drunk driving crash.

The event brought together about 250 people, including students, faculty and volunteers, to take part in a realistic, step-by-step scenario. The simulation followed the aftermath of an impaired driving incident, starting at the crash scene and continuing through emergency response, hospital care and communication with families.

(Video by Wesley Irvin)

The exercise was led by Dr. Adrienne Wilk, with the School of Nursing. She explained that seven programs were involved, including communication, EMS, nursing, radiologic technology, medical laboratory science, social work and criminal justice. Students from each area worked together to understand how their roles connect in real life situations.

Wilk said the goal of the simulation was to help students improve communication and teamwork. While each group trains in its own field, the event allowed them to see how their responsibilities overlap and how working together can lead to better outcomes for patients.

Wilk explained the new Health Professions Building made this simulation possible by allowing multiple departments to operate in the same space. During the exercise, students worked across all three floors of the building, which functioned like a real hospital as patients were moved between areas for treatment.

Throughout the day, students were able to practice their skills in a controlled setting where they could learn from mistakes and receive feedback. Wilk said the event took months of planning and was supported by faculty across multiple programs.

“I just thank everybody for their support. This has been months of meetings and planning and working together… we’re really passionate about what we do, and that’s why we put so much time and effort and energy into it,” Wilk said.

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