Grayson College Conducts Real-World Emergency Simulation Training for Students

In a forward-thinking partnership, Grayson College’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Program joined forces with Austin College’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program to host an immersive Interprofessional Education Activity focused on strengthening emergency room communication between EMS professionals and healthcare providers.

The hands-on event brought together 40 EMS students from Grayson College and 37 first-year PA students from Austin College for a full day of collaborative, high-stakes medical simulations.

The simulations recreated realistic emergency scenarios—ranging from trauma and cardiac arrest to behavioral and neurological crises. With five active stations running simultaneously, students engaged in 40 total scenarios, all designed to promote clear communication and teamwork during high-pressure handoffs from EMS to ER care teams.

“This kind of interdisciplinary training is invaluable,” said Grayson College EMS Program Director, Emily Johnson. “By practicing these scenarios together, our students develop the confidence and communication skills they’ll need when lives are on the line.”

To ensure consistency and quality in communication, students followed the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council (NCTTRAC) EMS Timeout and Handoff Protocol—a regional best-practice tool used across North Central Texas. EMT students also played the role of patients, adding a layer of authenticity to the learning experience.

The event represents more than a day of training—it’s the result of 18 months of planning between faculty at Grayson College and Austin College who saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between prehospital care and emergency medicine through collaboration.

“This is exactly the kind of real-world, team-based learning that prepares our students to succeed across the healthcare system,” said Grayson College Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Michael Cox.  “We’re excited to continue to grow this partnership.”

With the opening of Grayson College’s new 211,000 square foot Health Sciences building in the Fall of 2027, the College anticipates hosting even more interprofessional simulations and collaborative events in the years ahead.

For more information, visit the Grayson College’s Health Hciences webpage.