Two RSU nursing students assist a train conductor during a mock disaster drill March 7, 2025.
RSU senior and junior nursing students participated in a mock disaster drill last week for on-hand, practical training to respond to an actual emergency.
Held Friday, March 7, in Verdigris, the event’s fictitious scenario consisted of a train-on-school bus collision, which included a real BNSF engine, train cars, Verdigris Public School bus, Verdigris Fire trucks and staff, along with numerous BNSF contributors and other agencies.
“We wanted this exercise to achieve the highest level of realism as possible,” said Samantha Rhea, assistant professor and undergraduate nursing program coordinator. “Students started the day with several sessions, including an overview of triaging a victim in a community disaster, a presentation about train safety by Quint Tucker, special agent with BNSF Railway Police, ‘Stop the Bleeding’ training by Clint Anderson with the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, and more.”
Following the sessions, students participated in the disaster simulation, which included 46 senior nursing students responding to the disaster and 18 junior level students, roleplaying the victims, complete with specific “injuries.”
“The senior nursing students were tasked with quickly triaging these victims and providing emergent and immediate care,” Rhea said. “The exercise is intended to facilitate quick assessment and high-level prioritization by the senior students in an unfamiliar environment and with limited access to resources.
“The nursing program focuses on a lot of in-hospital care, whereas this took the students out of their familiar environment to some completely different territory,” she continued. “This event was a phenomenal way for us to send these seniors into graduation in May, and was a one-of-a-kind experience that our faculty and the students will never forget.”
Seven faculty members also participated in the simulation.
Rhea said the event would not have been possible without the support of numerous agencies.
“There’s no way we could have pulled this off without the support of and collaboration with BNSF, in particular, Special Agent Quint Tucker, who helped make this event so special,” she said.
Other noteworthy agencies and event collaborators include Bob Bradley with Foreman Engineering; Brian Cathey, safety and legislative representative and conductor for BNSF; Rogers County Sheriff’s Office “Stop the Bleeding” training by Clint Anderson; Verdigris Fire Department; Verdigris First Baptist Church; Verdigris Schools; and Verdigris Superintendent Mike Payne for supplying the school bus.
“We often host mock scenarios like this for our community class, but the contributions, training and equipment provided by BNSF, Verdigris Fire, and Verdigris Schools allowed our students to step foot out of the classroom to a simulated/safe real environment,” Rhea said. “Our partnership with BNSF for this event was truly remarkable and their willingness to support RSU Nursing was in a class by itself.”
RSU graduates in nursing and health professions possess a strong foundation in patient care, critical thinking, and healthcare systems, making them well-equipped for advanced roles. RSU’s training emphasizes not only clinical skills but also critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for making informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
Learn more about RSU’s degree options in nursing.