The annual disaster simulation includes several "public health emergencies" that occur during potentially life-or-death weather and accident-related situations. These include exposure to chemical or hazardous wastes, power or gas main leaks, and management of communicable disease outbreaks, which may require quarantine. The College of Nursing began conducting annual disaster drills in the spring of 2005, which have since evolved into comprehensive disaster simulations. Evolution of Disaster Simulations Since its inception in 2005, the disaster simulation has grown significantly in scope and complexity. What began as a disaster drill has evolved into a comprehensive simulation where participants portray roles throughout the entire emergency response process. The program has incorporated increasing levels of technology, including: Television footage of similar disasters looped in the SLIC (Link) for weather-related scenarios Prosthetic wounds and specialized moulage created on campus by SMAP(Link) to increase realism Drone technology to enhance surveillance and assessment capabilities Collaboration with multiple campus departments, including Journalism and Communication programs, for crisis communications and reporting The simulation has featured numerous emergency scenarios over the years, with tornado response being the most common due to regional relevance. Other scenarios have included plane crashes, anthrax outbreaks, and winter weather emergencies. Expanded Partnerships The simulation has grown to include participation from various campus and community partners: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (Link) graduate students who participate in provider roles, giving orders and instruction to undergraduate students serving as bedside nurses HEMSI (Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc.) UAH Police Department, which uses the simulation for officer training Educational Outcomes Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is a vital component of community health education, comprehensively addressed in our Community Health Nursing course. Educational outcomes relevant to Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in the community health context focus on Person-Centered Care, Systems-Based Practice, Informatics and Healthcare Technologies, Quality and Safety, and Population Health, aligning with the 2021 AACN Essentials. Main Goals of the Disaster Simulation Preparation of Baccalaureate nursing students and graduates in emergency response management. Evaluation of clinical decision-making of senior nursing students. Training students to stage and evaluate disaster simulations as a clinical skill to be transferred into other community and clinical settings. Collaboration with OEP to improve campus community internal emergency response policies and procedures. Promotion of interoperability (combination of all disaster response workers to provide and accept services from other systems) to respond better to disaster emergencies. Facilitate interdepartmental and community partner communication to foster ongoing collaboration.