University of Charleston Students Drill Chemical Response
Students and emergency responders practiced mass-casualty coordination in a training event outside Riggleman Hall.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Emergency Response
Live Poll
Do you believe disaster simulation drills in college effectively prepare students for real-world emergencies?
Approximately 300 students from various health programs at the University of Charleston participated in a simulated chemical disaster exercise. The training event featured collaboration with local fire, police, and EMS agencies.
Why it matters
The simulation offers students essential experience in decision-making and cross-disciplinary coordination during high-stress emergency scenarios. It ensures future health care professionals are prepared to function effectively within a mass-casualty response.
The simulation involved 300 students from the university's nursing, radiology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs. The exercise was sponsored by the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health.
The players
University of Charleston
This private university located in West Virginia offers various health sciences programs including nursing and radiology.
Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health
This organization supports health-related initiatives and community wellness programs throughout the region.
The details
Participants practiced critical tasks including decontamination, triage, and patient movement while working alongside professional first responders. The exercise recreated a mass-casualty incident outside Riggleman Hall to test coordination across multiple health care disciplines.
Timeline
The disaster simulation exercise took place on October 19, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The drill follows patterns established by the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to ensure that students and first responders maintain unified command structures. This training aligns with historical efforts to integrate academic learning with regional disaster response readiness.
While the exercise was a simulation, local residents can review emergency preparedness resources to understand their own roles during chemical incidents. The presence of police, fire, and EMS at such events highlights the ongoing coordination required to maintain public safety in Charleston.
The takeaway
Hands-on drills are critical for bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world emergency demands. Students and residents alike benefit when academic institutions prioritize practical safety training.
Further reading
For more information on local preparedness initiatives, visit the Emergency Response section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOWK 13 Huntington.
Live Poll
Do you believe disaster simulation drills in college effectively prepare students for real-world emergencies?
