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On Friday, October 11, 2024, West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), Piedmont Newnan Hospital, and multiple state and local agencies successfully conducted a large-scale mass casualty training exercise. The exercise, held at WGTC’s Coweta Campus and Piedmont Newnan Hospital, was designed to test Coweta County’s emergency response capabilities, interagency coordination, and communication under high-pressure conditions.

Led by Coweta County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator Nic Burgess, the exercise was the result of six months of meticulous planning and involved over 260 participants from West Georgia Technical College, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, and local agencies including Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Newnan Police Department, Coweta County Fire and Rescue, and EMA/911.

The exercise, which focused on improving preparedness for an active shooter incident, included simulated injuries, multi-agency coordination, and tactical training. The scenario involved a mock active shooter situation where participants were challenged to neutralize the threat, provide immediate medical attention to “victims,” coordinate the safe transport of multiple casualties to the hospital, and manage patient flow at the hospital.

“The opportunity to bring together different agencies and organizations is extremely important to help document and evaluate our own resources,” said WGTC Police Chief James Perry. “It gives us the ability to understand how we would respond in a crisis, such as an active shooter, and allow us to be prepared for such an event.”

The drill began with simulated gunfire, prompting a role player to activate the college’s Centegix badge system, a wearable mobile panic button designed to provide immediate emergency alerts. With the press of a button, campus police were instantly notified, receiving precise details about the incident location within seconds. Moments later, the first Coweta County deputy arrived at a chaotic scene filled with reports of gunfire and multiple casualties, setting the stage for the rest of the exercise to unfold in real time.

More than 100 students from WGTC participated in the mass casualty exercise, contributing in various roles both on and off site. Cosmetology students and faculty applied their skills to create realistic injuries using moulage makeup and took on roles as victims and bystanders. Several EMT students had the opportunity to experience the front lines, riding in ambulances with first responders as they arrived on scene. Students from nursing and phlebotomy programs were stationed at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, aiding medical teams in treating patients brought in during the exercise. This hands-on involvement gave the students invaluable real-world training in emergency response.

WGTC’s Avigilon camera system live-streamed the exercise to approximately 75 guests, offering real-time views of key areas inside both buildings, along with drone footage and outside angles. Attendees, including elected officials, board members, and representatives from the system office and other colleges in Technical College System of Georgia, FBI, GBI, Homeland Security, and the Department of Public Health, were able to observe the coordinated response efforts and decision-making in action.

“This exercise was a vital opportunity to enhance our emergency preparedness,” said Dr. Julie Post, President of West Georgia Technical College. “The safety of our campus is our top priority, and this event showcased the importance of strong partnerships within our community. I am proud of the teamwork displayed by all involved, which strengthens our ability to respond effectively in any situation.”

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.