SOMA and Pre-SOMA at LMU-DCOM Host Exciting EMS Scenario Event
On Thursday, October 17, the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and Pre-SOMA chapter at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) came together to host an engaging Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Scenario Event. The event provided students with a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of emergency responders, putting their medical skills to the test in realistic, high-pressure scenarios designed to mimic real-life medical emergencies.
The evening began with an overview of EMS protocols, followed by a brief introduction to the various roles that students would assume during the simulations. Participants were divided into small teams, each tasked with handling a different emergency case, ranging from trauma and cardiac events to respiratory distress and severe allergic reactions. The cases were designed to challenge students' clinical decision-making, teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout the event, students rotated through different scenarios, each featuring simulated patients who had been trained to portray symptoms and responses in a lifelike manner. The actors, many of whom were medical students, added a level of realism that helped participants practice effective communication, patient assessment, and critical care skills.
For many pre-med students, the EMS Scenario Event was a valuable chance to gain practical experience and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to a more dynamic, hands-on environment. For others, it served as an introduction to emergency medicine, sparking interest in pursuing further training in critical care, trauma surgery, or emergency medicine.
The event also served as an opportunity to foster community among SOMA and Pre-SOMA members. By working together in high-pressure scenarios, students from different levels of training bonded over their shared passion for medicine. Medical students served as mentors, guiding pre-med participants through the process, which created a collaborative learning environment that extended beyond the simulated emergencies.
With the success of tonight's EMS Scenario Event, both SOMA and Pre-SOMA are planning to make it a recurring activity, with the goal of incorporating even more complex scenarios and interdisciplinary collaboration with other healthcare students. The event demonstrated the importance of hands-on training and highlighted the value of teamwork, preparation, and swift decision-making in the field of medicine.
As the evening concluded, participants left with not only a better understanding of emergency care but also a renewed sense of motivation to pursue their goals in medicine. For Pre-SOMA members, this event was another stepping stone in their journey toward becoming compassionate, skilled osteopathic physicians.
Two students participate in a EMS scenario.
