The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing will be hosting the United States Army for a scaled-down version of the Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter (DRASH). The event will take place Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 22-23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the School of Nursing atrium on the second floor of Alumni Hall.
The Army will have approximately five representatives attending the event to showcase real-life simulations and to answer questions. Additionally, students in attendance will have the chance to win a military medical history book with the winner to be announced Tuesday.
“The School of Nursing is excited to partner with the U.S. Army,” said Dr. Roberta Harrison, assistant dean for undergraduate programs. “Student nurses will witness the highly technical medical services used in the battlefield, while learning about the scholarship and career opportunities offered by the Army.”
Army Captain Derrin Jones and his military team will conduct the event. “The DRASH simulation is one way to allow students, who are considering medicine in any capacity, to come and view what we do.” said Jones. “Our team travels across the U.S. for students to experience firsthand some of the military’s finest assets used in the field for saving lives.”
Students attending the event will be able to speak to military personnel and ask questions regarding the many scholarships provided by the Army for aspiring medical professionals. Students will learn what equipment the Army Forward surgical team uses in the front lines during times of conflict. Utilizing DRASH equipment allows Army medical personnel to improve the survival rate of injured service men and women.
“Thanks in part to Lieutenant Colonel David Motes from SIUE’s Army ROTC program, the Army was able to partner with SIUE to offer diverse learning opportunities and challenging leadership roles to young medical professionals,” Jones said. “That, coupled with the endless educational opportunities, will help further advance SIUE students’ careers.”
Photo: U.S. ArmyDeployable Rapid Assembly Shelter (DRASH) demonstration.