HOSA Students Participate in a Mass Casualty Drill

Experiential Learning at St. Catherine of Siena Academy: HOSA Students Participate in a Mass Casualty Drill

At St. Catherine of Siena Academy, students experience learning beyond the classroom through career-focused clubs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students Association). On October 23, 2024, our HOSA members participated in a Mass Casualty Drill at Henry Ford Providence Hospital in Novi. Kept confidential until the event, this eye-opening experience challenged students to portray injured patients, preparing hospital staff for high-stress scenarios while giving our students a unique, hands-on introduction to healthcare.

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The Drill
The day began with a briefing, where students received character profiles ranging from minor injuries to critical conditions. Professional makeup artists transformed the students, impressing them with realistic depictions of their assigned roles. The mission? To bring each role to life, supporting hospital teams in a simulation based on a historic disaster scenario.

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With the hospital operating as usual, students faced the added challenge of maintaining professionalism in a real-world environment. Their efforts left a positive impression on the attending administrators, who represented 15–20 hospitals across Michigan.

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Beyond the Drill
After the simulation, students participated in a debriefing with hospital administrators, gaining insights into leadership and operational decision-making during emergencies. They also toured specialized hospital departments:

• Cancer Center: Students learned about advanced treatments like nuclear medicine radiation therapy and explored emotional support services, including yoga, art therapy, and spiritual care.
• Labor and Delivery Unit: Led by Courtney Pinter, a labor and delivery nurse and proud SCA parent of Ellie (Class of 2024), students explored equipment and processes involved in welcoming new life and learned about nursing careers in this field.

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A Special Thanks to Ms. Lucia!
We’re especially grateful to Ms. Lucia (Dr. Lucia Eisner), who brings her incredible background and dedication to leading our HOSA program. With degrees in Human Biology from Stanford, Biomedical Sciences and Ethics from Barry University, and a PhD in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology from the University of Florida, plus postdoctoral research experience, she’s built a program at SCA that’s both rigorous and incredibly supportive.Ms. Lucia’s guidance helps our students build essential skills for their future in healthcare and grow in compassion and resilience. Thank you, Ms. Lucia!

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