Each year, Centennial College’s Morningside Campus hosts the Mock Disaster, a large-scale emergency simulation that gives students in the Faculty of Integrated Health and Community Care an opportunity to apply their skills in a realistic, high-pressure environment.
The scenario changes annually and may include events such as a train derailment, a high-rise apartment fire or a tornado-triggered power outage. Regardless of the situation, approximately 300 students must respond as they would during a real emergency, drawing on the knowledge and hands-on training developed throughout their programs.
Working alongside volunteer first responders and health-care professionals, students collaborate with physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and social workers to assess patients, coordinate care and manage complex emergency situations. The experience reinforces the importance of teamwork, communication and critical thinking during a disaster response.
The Mock Disaster is designed to provide practical, experiential learning that prepares students for the realities of health care and community services careers. By immersing participants in a realistic emergency scenario, the event helps build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills and enhance readiness for future professional practice.
This Signature Learning Experience is made possible through the support of faculty and staff in the Faculty of Integrated Health and Community Care, the dedication of Centennial College’s laboratory teams and the commitment of student volunteers who help bring the simulation to life each year.