LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Geared up in hazmat suits, health professionals at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center in Luzerne County transported the last victim of their chemical spill simulation drill through the decontamination shower.
Officials say this practice is crucial to be prepared for real-world scenarios.
"It's very important," said David Hossage, an emergency management specialist with the VA. "Without exercise and practice, you'll lose those muscle-memory skills, and we don't want that to happen if life, limb, and personal property were in jeopardy. So, we want to exercise as much as possible and keep that integration because it's one team, one fight in our county."
Health professionals, first responders, and Wilkes University nursing students were practicing what would happen if a semi-trailer carrying chlorine chemicals hit the center and veterans living there got burned by those chemicals.
"This is something that can really happen, you know, even dealing with pool chemicals or something like that, so if you're working in an ER or somewhere like that where someone comes in, and this, unfortunately, has happened to them. It's very important to have that real-world experience and be able to apply that knowledge," said Lauren Markley, a Wilkes University nursing student.
Health professionals say having a real patient to tend to during these drills helps them become more compassionate, a skill they believe is crucial in real-life critical situations like this one.
"The whole thing, going through that, it was a little scary at the beginning. Because we're all just learning this, but it worked out great, and it was a good experience," said Andrea McAloose with the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center.
"I think that they did a really good job in preparing us, not only as student nurses but actually knowing what could take place. If you have a family or anything else, you know what to do," said Jonathan Uritz, a Wilkes University nursing student.
Health professionals from around the county will be practicing their skills at another simulation in October at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.