Ukiah High School students from the First Responder Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs took part in a live-action emergency response drill this week, simulating a real-life crisis to build critical career skills.
Led by instructors Fred Keplinger (Administration of Justice) and Brendon Turner (SCRUBS), the event brought together students from Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, and Chris Douthit’s Drama classes to enact and respond to a mock emergency scene. Law Enforcement students arrived first to assess the situation, interview witnesses, and secure the area. Fire Rescue students followed, providing life-saving aid to injured and distressed individuals portrayed by drama students.
In addition to practicing emergency protocols, students focused on developing their communication skills, including delivering difficult news and supporting victims, witnesses, and bystanders during a crisis.
“This kind of immersive learning experience prepares our students not just with technical knowledge, but with the confidence and compassion they’ll need in the field,” said CTE instructor Brendan Turner.
Students observing the drill took notes and wrote incident reports based on what they witnessed – reinforcing attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written communication.
“Scenario-based training exposes students to multi-discipline cooperation, crime scene preservation, critical thinking, written and verbal communication, structured stress, basic first aid, CPR, and scene safety,” added CTE instructor Fred Keplinger. “Working on skills outside of lecture allows students to learn Public Safety functions and community relations in a structured setting.”