Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences PA program hosted its annual mock mass casualty incident at Smith Hall on June 21. This year’s scenario simulated a vehicle driving into a crowd, resulting in multiple injuries and triggering a large-scale emergency response. More than 100 students, faculty, staff and community partners participated in the hands-on training exercise.
Designed to strengthen critical decision-making and teamwork under pressure, the event featured three stations: field triage, emergency room care, and critical care transport. Instructors from the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center at Fort Liberty contributed their military expertise, bringing advanced moulage, trauma equipment, and tactical medical training. Cape Fear Valley Health supported the simulation by providing their LifeLink Critical Care Truck and crew, giving students immersive experience in emergency transport procedures.
The event was organized and led by Campbell PA students with support from faculty, staff, the Buies Creek Fire Department, and Harnett County Emergency Services. Head of the MCI committee, Elydia Stokes, a first-year PA student, shared how meaningful the event has been in her journey. “Volunteering for this event a few years ago was a deciding factor in choosing Campbell’s PA program,” she said. “Now, leading it as a student is an incredible full-circle moment. The hands-on training we receive here truly prepares us to respond confidently and effectively in real emergencies.”
Ashley Nordan, assistant professor of Physician Assistant Practice and MCI faculty advisor, emphasized the value of the event in healthcare education. “This simulation allows students to integrate their clinical knowledge in a high-pressure, team-based environment,” she said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for interprofessional collaboration and real-time problem solving skills they will absolutely need in practice.”
