Immaculata University Hosts Disaster Simulation for Students

Immaculata University recently brought together students, faculty, first responders and regional emergency agencies for its Disaster Simulation Event, a comprehensive applied-learning exercise designed to strengthen crisis response skills across multiple disciplines, such as nursing, emergency planning, communications, psychology, social work and campus ministry.

Held on campus in Loyola Hall and the Great Hall, the simulation centered on a high-intensity, mass-casualty train collision scenario, giving participants a realistic environment to practice communication, coordination and decision-making skills under pressure.

Participants worked alongside members of the East Whiteland Township Fire Department, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services and representatives from the American Red Cross. Together, they responded to unfolding challenges that aimed to mirror the complexity of a real-world disaster.

In Loyola Hall, the hospital emergency department simulation provided nursing students with hands-on clinical experience as they triaged, assessed and treated incoming “victims” impacted by the train collision.

Students encountered a wide range of injuries, requiring them to make rapid assessments, communicate with emergency responders and apply trauma-informed care techniques. Their ability to respond swiftly and maintain composure, even as they managed trauma heightened by a leak of unidentified chemical components, was critical to the swift care of the patients.

Across campus in the Great Hall, emergency planning and management majors and members of Immaculata’s Red Cross Club coordinated an emergency congregate shelter for displaced individuals from the train collision. They managed registration, supply distribution and shelter organization, all while addressing the needs of those temporarily uprooted in the scenario. The space also served as an opportunity for staff from the American Red Cross partners to demonstrate effective shelter management practices and collaborate directly with students.

Emergency planning and management students, along with Immaculata’s Red Cross Club, set up an emergency congregate shelter for displaced individuals in the Great Hall.

Supporting the response effort were students from psychology, social work and campus ministry, who offered crisis counseling, case management and pastoral care. Their role highlighted the essential emotional and psychological support systems that accompany physical care in the aftermath of a disaster

Communication students also assisted throughout the scenario, reporting on the events and managing media inquiries. A mock news conference allowed them to practice gathering rapid, accurate information and information dissemination skills that are vital during large-scale emergencies.

Serving as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the day was Danny O’Rourke ’25, a communication major, who volunteered for the role.

Danny O’Rourke leads the mock news conference.

O’Rourke said his motivation for participating came from a desire to apply his coursework to a dynamic, real-world setting.

“I wanted to participate because it was a hands-on way to apply what I’ve been learning about communication, crisis response and media relations,” he explained. “It felt like a safe environment to try out real-world decision-making, especially under pressure. I also liked the idea of collaborating with other teams and seeing how different roles work together during an emergency.”

He added that stepping into the PIO role offered a meaningful challenge and described the day as both demanding and transformative.

“It pushed me to think quickly, coordinate messaging and stay composed while information was constantly changing. It was challenging, but it also boosted my confidence in handling high-pressure communication tasks.”

Immaculata’s Disaster Simulation Event serves as an important training platform for students preparing for careers in multiple disciplines. By partnering with community and regional emergency agencies, Immaculata University ensures students gain the practical, interdisciplinary skills needed to respond effectively and compassionately if real crises occur.

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