San Antonio to Host Mass Casualty Drill October 22
South Texas hospitals and emergency teams will conduct the SAMCEE-26 exercise at the Freeman Coliseum.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Safety
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Fifty healthcare facilities across South Texas will participate in the SAMCEE-26 mass casualty simulation exercise on October 22, 2026. The drill, which begins at 8 a.m. at Freeman Coliseum, involves over 500 volunteers.
Why it matters
The exercise serves to evaluate regional readiness for emergency events by testing patient tracking, hospital surge capacity, and logistics. Results from the drill will help agencies refine emergency plans and address equipment gaps.
The simulation involves 500 volunteers acting as trauma patients across 50 participating facilities. The exercise covers a trauma region spanning 26,000 square miles across 22 counties.
The players
Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council
This regional organization coordinates trauma care systems and healthcare preparedness initiatives across South Texas.
San Antonio Fire Department
This municipal agency provides fire protection, emergency medical services, and disaster response for the city of San Antonio.
Bexar County Office of Emergency Management
This county office coordinates the planning, mitigation, and response efforts for disasters and emergencies within Bexar County.
The details
Volunteers will utilize special-effects makeup to realistically portray trauma patients as emergency responders transport them from the staging area. The simulation also features a family reunification component led by the San Antonio Fire Department and the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management.
Timeline
The SAMCEE-26 exercise is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
Drill operations begin at 8 a.m. at Freeman Coliseum.
Seasonal Patterns
The SAMCEE-26 drill aligns with established disaster preparedness cycles that require regular, large-scale testing of medical infrastructure. These exercises are critical for maintaining response standards across the 26,000 square mile trauma region.
Residents should be aware that the drill involves increased emergency vehicle activity and personnel presence near the Freeman Coliseum. While the event is simulated, it serves as a critical test to ensure local hospitals and first responders are ready for real-world emergencies.
The takeaway
Large-scale drills are vital for maintaining the coordination required between dozens of hospitals during a crisis. By identifying gaps before an actual emergency occurs, regional responders significantly improve their ability to save lives when seconds count.
Further reading
Learn more about local emergency protocols on the San Antonio Safety page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSAT.
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