CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System participates in mock mass causality event

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System participated in a comprehensive mock mass casualty exercise to prepare hospital teams for real-life emergency situations.

The exercise brought together about 32 volunteers to portray patients suffering from a range of critical injuries including burns, fractures, penetrating wounds, head trauma and even a pregnant woman in active labor.

The event simulated a chaotic mass casualty scenario where hospital Associates responded as if it were a real emergency. The goal was to test protocols, practice communication strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.

“We set these exercises up to allow us to fail,” said Jenny Kelly, director of emergency services. “We have to make this feel as real as possible in order to see where we can do better, so when it does happen, we’re as ready as we can be.”

Throughout the simulation, the hospital set up designated staging areas to classify patients based on the severity of their injuries.

Additional resources, including lab services, housekeeping and patient transport teams were also deployed during the exercise to mirror real world demands. A staging area for families and a dedicated liaison were also established to ensure timely updates and emotional support.

“Our teams were running on adrenaline the entire time, just like they would in a real emergency,” said Kelly. “These simulations push us to adapt quickly and communicate clearly, which ultimately strengthens our ability to save lives.”

Participation in this area-wide exercise was part of CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System’s ongoing hazard risk assessment, which identifies external risks to the community and ensures readiness for potential disasters.

“Practicing these scenarios is crucial,” Kelly said. “Unfortunately, events like this can happen and when they do, we want to be fully prepared to respond.”