Dickinson State University (DSU), Dickinson Fire Department, and Stark County Emergency Management are proud to announce a collaborative Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) training exercise scheduled for Monday, April 21st at 1:00 PM.
This dynamic, full-scale training event will bring together nursing students, criminal justice students, FIRE / EMS personnel in a realistic emergency scenario designed to strengthen coordination, communication, and decision-making under pressure.
The exercise will serve as a hands-on learning opportunity for nursing students, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in a fast-paced, simulated emergency environment. Criminal justice students will play a key role in scene investigation, security, and crowd control, gaining practical experience in managing complex incidents. At the same time, it will provide FIRE / EMS crews with a valuable opportunity to practice multi-agency response, refine triage skills, and enhance operational readiness for real-world events.
The scenario will be brought to life with the support of the university’s theater department, whose students will serve as actors and simulated patients, adding realism and depth to the training experience.
“We are thrilled to collaborate across disciplines for this disaster simulation, uniting nursing, fire services, criminal justice, and theatre. This unique partnership not only enriches our students’ learning experiences but also strengthens our commitment to serving the community. Together, we are creating a dynamic and impactful educational opportunity that prepares our students for real-world challenges.” Melissa Wagner — BSN Program Coordinator, Dickinson State University
“This collaboration highlights the strength of our community partnerships,” said Dillon Brock— Division Chief of EMS, Dickinson Fire Department. “By training together, we are ensuring that when real emergencies happen, our teams are prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and as one unified system.”
Participants can expect an engaging and immersive experience that emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and real-world application. The event is designed not only to build critical skills, but also to foster relationships across agencies and disciplines.
Community members may notice increased emergency vehicle activity in the area during the exercise. This is a planned training event, and there is no cause for concern.
Event Details:
What: Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Training Exercise
When: Monday, April 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Where: Dickinson State University Campus; Klinefelter Hall
Who: DSU Nursing Students, DSU Criminal Justice Students, DSU Theater Department, Dickinson Fire Department, and Stark County Emergency Management.