I know just about everyone has participated in a MCI Drill , but who really has more fun ? The emergency responders or the kids or young adults playing the "victims" ? Some of the shows we put on are to be taken seriously like "Every 15 Minutes" ,
"Safe and Sober Graduation " , or "Prom Night" . But for the rescuer that has been
there for real it is likely to hit home . It is not fun for them .

For the students , it can be fun for them because they have the chance to get out of class for the day and "pretend" . They also get an education of what the EMS system is all about and if
they like it then it may inspire them into a worthwhile career . They get to take a ride inside the
ambulance as a "patient" , which can be a scary experience for many but enjoyable in that setting . when I have worked on MCI drills , I've heard the kids and young adults laugh many times about their situation and that is what I'd rather hear . it makes me feel good to demonstrate my skills in public and put smiles on people's faces .

It also cannot be fun because kids and young adults may be scared about what we are doing as in using extrication equipment or pretending to start an I.V . They also may have to go back to class after the event has concluded . The teacher or professor may assign an essay about the event as homework and won't that ruin their day !

So here's my idea . why make an MCI event both fun and educational for everyone ? Invite a local EMS Helicopter to get into the mix and pick a couple of "victims" to be flown to the hospital . Make sure the flight crew gives them a pin or a water bottle reward them . Hide a
"victim " and assign a group or students at random in the spectator crowd to search for him or her . Use stick up notes to provide clues where the victim might be . When they find the victim , quiz them what to do next (call 911or go tell one of the EMTs,
paramedics , police officers or firefighters ) . Another activity for student bystanders is to have a paramedic or EMT ask a group of students if they know first aid or CPR or both . If they do , assign them to a "victim" explaining what the injuries are and to provide first aid to
them before help arrives . Add humor by having a couple of techs or medics act as a clueless ambulance crew , where the senior member bosses around the rookie .

Now everyone can have fun and learn at the same time !