Ivy Tech simulates a disaster
Also, library offering free naloxone through a vending machine; Popcorn Cafe gets a ribbon cutting
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Disaster at Ivy Tech Kokomo; gas line explosion injures dozens
There wasn’t a real gas line explosion at Ivy Tech Kokomo Wednesday, but for the more than 150 Ivy Tech Kokomo students, faculty and staff members involved, the goal was to make it seem as real as possible.
In the most ambitious disaster drill ever staged at the campus (and the first staged in the new Health Professions Center), the response to the simulated gas line explosion was planned for, monitored, and assessed, all part of an effort to prepare students for the real thing.
The simulation, set up throughout the Healthcare Professions Center, included nursing students (some victims covered in make-up to represent their injuries, some as rescuers and some in one of the two “hospitals” that were set up); EMT and paramedic students (taking their roles as first responders); and surgical technology students (dealing with “injured” sent to the surgery simulation lab); as well as representatives of Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Safety and Security and Mental Health staffs.
“We’ve been using disaster simulations as a training tool for healthcare students since 2011 but with the addition of members of our Safety and Security team and our Mental Health counselor, this was the most involved,” said Nursing Professor Lisa Price, who serves as simulation director for the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area.
Paramedic Science Professor Mark Fair, trained in the art of “moulage,” was joined by two nursing faculty members and a paramedic student in applying make-up to simulate the injuries the “emergency responders” had to deal with. Two rounds of explosion and triage and treatment gave the students the opportunity to hone their skills.
“The goal of the drill is to foster teamwork and collaboration between all the healthcare and safety professions,” Price said. “During the simulation, students learned how to triage victims at a mass casualty event and how to care for them at the scene and in the hospital.”
Students were assessed on their awareness of disaster protocol, their teamwork and communication with other healthcare disciplines, and their use of critical thinking to care for the “injured,” who were each given a scenario to present to their “rescuers.”
“I was impressed with how engaged all of the students were in both events,” Price said. “During debriefing, they provided rich comments on what went well and what could be improved. For our first time back in person with the disaster simulation, this was one for the books.”
Library gets Naloxone vending machine
The Kokomo Howard County Library and Turning Point System of Care announced the placement of Indiana’s newest naloxone vending machine at the Kokomo Howard County Public main location, 220 N. Union St. The machine is one of 19 to be placed statewide and will be available for use by the public. This is the first naloxone vending machine to be placed in a public library in Indiana. Gov. Eric J. Holcomb first announced the initiative in December 2021.
“There is no single solution to ending this epidemic that has taken the lives of thousands of Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We can, however, take thoughtful steps to help shake the scourge of addiction from our communities. Naloxone vending machines are a practical tool to prevent overdoses and save lives.”
Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication approved to reverse an overdose from opioids and is given when a person is showing signs of opioid overdose to block the deadly effects of the overdose.
“We must continue to ensure widespread access to naloxone, given the lingering impact of COVID-19 and the increased supply of fentanyl in our 92 counties,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement for the state of Indiana. “Every life lost to a drug overdose is one too many. Naloxone offers the opportunity to get individuals with substance use disorder on the path to long-term recovery.”
The vending machines are manufactured by Shaffer Distribution Company and programmed to dispense free naloxone kits. Each kit includes a single dose of naloxone, instructions for use and a referral to treatment for substance use disorder. The machine holds up to 300 naloxone kits and is free to access.
“This machine removes all barriers between Howard County residents and a medication that could literally save lives,” Faith Brautigam said. “KHCPL is proud to be the recipient of one of the state’s first naloxone vending machines, and we applaud Governor Holcomb’s commitment to address the drug epidemic. Hosting this machine is a practical and meaningful way to move closer to our vision of KHCPL as a vital component in an engaged and thriving community.”
To learn about Overdose Lifeline’s naloxone distribution opportunities or to request a free naloxone kit, visit www.overdoselifeline.org.
Popcorn Cafe cuts the ribbon
Members of the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce joined Mayor Tyler Moore in cutting the ribbon for the Popcorn Cafe, 1108 E. Markland Ave. The business recently re-opened under new ownership.
Leann Waskom welcomed the guests to her store and showed off the sales floor, packed full of goodies with a decidedly festive theme. In addition to popcorn in 40 different flavors, the Popcorn Cafe also offers bulk candy, gifts, homemade fudge, pretzels, and bubble tea.
The Popcorn Cafe is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Their products also can be purchased through their website, www.popcorncafeshop.com.
