Simulated disaster training held at CHS

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- More than 30 emergency medical responders and other health professionals will participate in a two-day, hands-on training session on May 1 and 2 that will include a mock disaster.

The training session, sponsored by Region 6 Bio-Defense Network Coalition, will be held at Grand Valley’s Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, 301 Michigan St. NE. During the morning of the Wednesday, May 2, mock disaster, the northbound lane of Lafayette Street, from the CHS parking entrance to Hastings Street, will be closed. Drivers will be able to pass the site and all parking entrances on that street will be open.

Grand Valley’s physician assistant studies students will play the role of patients during the training, and faculty and staff members will observe responders. Other organizations that will participate include Kent County Emergency Management, Spectrum Health and the City of Grand Rapids.

Lisa VanRyn, assistant professor of PAS, said the training will give students a first-hand look at how varied organizations cooperate. “It’s a unique way for our faculty and students to learn more about the clinical training that is part of an overall emergency response,” she said.

Media members are invited to cover the May 2 event. For details, call Tim Bulson, Region 6 coordinator, at (616) 451-8438.