ICE adds role players to exercise to increase realism in program

The Integrated Capstone Event (ICE) held December 12 nearly set a new record for role-playing participants, adding a layer of realism to the much-needed exercise.

More than 90 students participated in various roles for the program. Students assumed differing roles, including wounded survivors in a disaster, elected officials and suicide bombers.

Each role player is assigned a script that is designed to advance the goals for each exercise. Chuck Medley, assistant director for Training Delivery, explained how these role players help the program as a whole.

“They add significant realism and a dash of color and excitement to the exercises and ICEs,” Medley said. “Depending on the exercise, the CDP will use as few as five or as many as 91 role players, as was the case in the Dec. 12 ICE.”

Students from the Hospital Emergency Response Training for Mass Casualty Events, Healthcare Leadership for Mass Casualty Incidents, Field Force Operations and Field Force Extrication Tactics all came together to participate in ICE. Additionally, 40 officers from the Munster, Indiana Police Department and 35 Veterans Affairs healthcare professionals joined in the exercises.