Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Coastal Alabama Community College announced it will stage a disaster drill simulating a plane crash on its Gulf Shores Campus. The exercise is designed to train students and first responders in a realistic, controlled setting. College officials said the event will include patient care, triage, and coordination practice. Community members near campus may notice increased emergency activity during the drill.

The exercise is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Gulf Shores Campus. Activities will be centered at the A and B buildings, according to the announcement. The drill timing and locations are meant to support training while classes are in session and services are available.

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Organizers emphasized that it is a planned exercise and not an actual emergency. Signs and staff are expected to mark the training areas to help the public distinguish the drill from a real incident.

Multiple college programs will take part, reflecting a team approach to emergency care. Participants include the Nursing and Simulation programs, along with EMS, MLT, MAT, and DAT departments. The Coastal Alabama Police Department will coordinate campus security and access. Faculty and student participants will practice assessment and stabilization roles.

Local agencies will join the college to test communication and mutual aid procedures. The Gulf Shores Fire Department plans to support incident command and rescue operations. Baldwin County EMA is also participating in the emergency management functions. Medical partners will support transport and treatment pathways during the scenario.

Healthcare coordination is a key focus of the event. The Baldwin Health Freestanding Emergency Department in Gulf Shores is slated to receive simulated patients. The Baldwin Health Hospital and Emergency Department in Foley also plans to participate. Organizers said the goal is to test patient flow from the scene to receiving facilities.

Traffic near the training area could be temporarily redirected for participant safety. Normal campus operations outside the drill zone are expected to continue.

Communication between agencies will be evaluated throughout the afternoon. Radio procedures, triage tagging, and transport decisions will be reviewed. Observers may track timelines for dispatch, scene setup, and patient movement. Notes will be collected to identify strengths and gaps.

A formal debrief is planned after the drill on the Gulf Shores Campus. Participants will review what worked and what needs improvement. Recommendations will guide future training and updates to protocols. The college said the debrief is an essential step in the learning process.