Role Guide

Victim Simulators

Volunteers playing injured victims — what to expect and how to stay safe.

Your Controller

Marilyn Szost, OC-CERT (Victim Controller)

Thank you for volunteering! Victim simulators make it possible for responders to neutralize the shooter, rescue victims and manage medical surge in semi-realistic conditions.
Check in with the Victim Controller at the exercise site (12:30 PM Church of the Nazarene / 5:30 PM Commission on Aging). You’ll be staged in one area for your briefing (12:45 PM / 5:45 PM).

An info sheet, a color-coded injury shirt, and an injury card describing your simulated injuries.
Wear the shirt so responders can see your triage color. Keep the card with you to show or read to responders.

The exercise starts when the Victim Controller makes the actual 9-1-1 call (stating “This is an exercise”).
The simulated shooter is the Site Controller in a RED VEST. He carries a “blue gun” — a training replica, NOT a real weapon — and “shoots” by saying “bang” out loud. He will direct where you position yourself. It is done in a light, non-scary manner.
A law enforcement Contact Team enters first to stop the threat. Then a Rescue Taskforce (fire/EMR escorted by law) reaches victims, and patients are moved out to EMS for triage.

Stay in character, but don’t overact — this drill uses minimal simulation and most actions are walked through.
Tell or show responders what’s on your injury card when they assess you.
Stay where you are positioned until responders move you.
If any movement would be uncomfortable or unsafe for you, say so — real safety always outranks realism.

There are NO live firearms or weapons on site.
Follow all safety instructions from controllers.
Watch for vehicles — responder units will be driving into parking lots.
If you feel uncomfortable at any time, notify the Victim Controller.
If you are really hurt or ill, say “REAL EMERGENCY” to the nearest responder or controller.

The scenario runs twice. After Run #1, everything is “reset” and repeated for Run #2.
Follow the Victim Controller’s directions during the reset.

Return your injury shirt to the Victim Controller.
Check in with the Victim Controller before leaving — a brief exit contact to make sure you’re OK.

My session

Site: Church of the Nazarene • Site contact: Becky, Administrator

Controllers: Jim Anderlohr (Main Controller / Catalyst) • Marilyn Szost (Victim Controller / Simulator)