Training the Next Generation: Red Cross and VCOM-Louisiana Partner for Immersive Disaster Simulation

Future physicians sharpen disaster response skills in shelter simulation exercise

A group of people in bright yellow vests attentively listens to a speaker in a spacious, well-lit room.

May 11, 2026

MONROE, La. — The tornado had just touched down. At least, that's what the scenario said. Volunteers filled the room, the situation was escalating, and someone needed to take charge. For 150 junior medical students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Louisiana, the answer was clear: that someone was them.

The American Red Cross of North Louisiana recently concluded its fourth year partnering with VCOM-Louisiana and Volunteer Louisiana for a large-scale, two-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training on the University of Louisiana Monroe campus. This year's centerpiece: a Tornado Mass Casualty Exercise that put students in the middle of a simulated disaster and asked them to lead their way out of it. Having completed prerequisite online coursework in shelter fundamentals, the students were tasked with managing the complexities of mass care in a simulated emergency environment.

A group of people wearing yellow CERT vests stand in a classroom, attentively listening to instructors at the front.

Two people relax on green cots in a room with gray walls and folding tables. One smiles, while the other uses a phone.

“The collaboration between the Red Cross and VCOM is vital to the resilience of our region,” said Karen McCoy, Executive Director of the American Red Cross North Louisiana Chapter. “By integrating disaster training into their medical education, these students are gaining practical experience in learning how to respond to an emergency. Their service will have a profound impact for communities where they will eventually practice, ensuring that leadership is present when our neighbors need it most.”

The rigorous two-day program pushed students beyond the classroom, covering triage, search-and-rescue operations, and active-shooter scenarios. The collaboration highlights a robust network of state and local partners, including Volunteer Louisiana, the Office of the Lt. Governor, the ULM Police Department, West Monroe Police Department, and the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.

Lecture hall filled with attentive students wearing yellow safety vests. Many use laptops.

Two people wearing yellow safety vests and discussing papers with a volunteer in a black shirt in a classroom-like setting.

The students who participated in the training will graduate into a state that needs them badly. Louisiana ranks 39th in the nation for primary care physicians per capita, and 81% of the state is designated as a health professional shortage area. When the next storm hits, and in Louisiana it will, the communities most at risk are often the ones with the fewest medical resources.

The Red Cross is working to change that, but it can't do it without you.

If you're a nurse, nursing student, medical student, or health professional, your skills are exactly what disaster response needs. Health professionals are needed to help families who have lost everything and have nowhere else to turn.

There are several ways to get involved:

Disaster Health Services: Provide direct medical care during active relief operations, either as a team member or in a leadership role.
Disaster Mental Health Services: Support individuals and families processing trauma and loss in the aftermath of a crisis.
Nursing Network: Step into a Regional Nurse Leader role or serve as part of the Red Cross clinical team.

Whatever your background, whatever your availability, there is a role in the Red Cross for you. Visit redcross.org/healthprovolunteer to learn more and sign up.