Multiple times each year, the Washington State University College of Nursing welcomes both Air National Guard (ANG) members and active-duty personnel to the Spokane simulation center for intensive clinical training. The program provides realistic, hands-on experiences designed to prepare military medical personnel for high-stress environments they may encounter during stateside emergencies or overseas deployments.
During these one- to two-day sessions, participants work through scenarios ranging from basic triage to complex mass-casualty incidents. Manikins and detailed moulage are used to replicate injuries such as gunshot wounds, severe burns, and other trauma cases. This approach immerses trainees in real-world conditions, challenging them to apply their skills under pressure in a safe learning environment.
Michelle Pelchat, Director of Simulation shared, “Strategic simulation is the bridge between classroom knowledge and battlefield readiness. At Washington State University College of Nursing, we meticulously craft each scenario to mirror the complex realities our Air National Guard personnel face in the field.
From traumatic amputations to mass casualty triage, our simulations don’t just test clinical skills—they forge the decisive, adaptive thinking required in high-stakes environments. By blending military medical protocols with cutting-edge health care education, we transform theoretical knowledge into muscle memory, ensuring our ANG partners are prepared to deliver exceptional care when seconds count and resources are limited.
This is where academic excellence meets combat medicine—where we don’t just train health care providers, we develop battlefield-ready clinicians.”
The College of Nursing’s simulation team collaborates closely with the Air Force’s medical leadership at Fairchild Air Force Base to align training scenarios with current military medical needs
Working alongside the WSU’s simulation team and the 141st Air National Guard ensures our training reflects high-pressure environments, current battlefield medicine and potential domestic response needs. This collaboration directly translates to better care for our service members, their families and our community.
Lt. Col. Marisa Hester, 92nd Medical Group chief nurse
About the Center for Experiential Learning
The Center for Experiential Learning at WSU College of Nursing serves as a hub for simulation-based education, offering realistic training environments for nursing students, community health partners, and military personnel. Accredited to provide up to 50% of clinical education through simulation, the center’s facilities allow learners to practice critical decision-making and technical skills in safe, controlled settings before entering real clinical environments.
To support ongoing training, community members can make a tax-deductible donation to the WSU College of Nursing Center for Experiential Learning Fund.
