NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University will host its annual emergency response field training exercise from October 10 to 13, inviting students, employees, and community members to participate as role players. The Missouri Hope exercise aims to provide real-time experience in emergency and disaster management, partnering with agencies throughout the region.

Volunteers are needed to simulate victims with injuries sustained from natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, or fires. In addition to life-saving skills, the event helps participants develop leadership and team-building abilities.

The exercise will take place at Mozingo Youth Camp, where students receive practical training toward becoming experts in the emergency and disaster management field. Role players will mimic victims of various natural disasters, providing trainees the opportunity to render medical aid and other assistance.

Missouri Hope is a requirement for students majoring or minoring in emergency and disaster management. It simulates a tornado striking a small town, placing the responsibility on trainees to assist role-playing victims. The training includes high-angle rescues, mass casualty situations, and water rescue operations for Northwest students and emergency personnel from medical, police, fire departments, and armed forces.

"The more people we have, the more realistic we can make it," said Travis Surprise, an instructor of emergency and disaster management. "I think that having some hands-on experience sets students apart when they go for jobs."

Students collaborate with subject matter experts representing 32 attending agencies from across the region. Partnering agencies include Maryville Public Safety, Nodaway and Buchanan County Emergency Management, Nodaway County Ambulance District, LifeFlight and LifeNet Air Ambulances, SEMA Region H Marine Hazmat Team, and the 1-129th Field Artillery Battalion Missouri Army National Guard.

For more information about Missouri Hope or volunteering as a role player, contact Northwest faculty Travis Surprise or Peter Adam.