That chilling headline could have led the news on May 21st—had the tragic events it described not been part of a large-scale emergency simulation held at Gettysburg College.
“This exercise has been in the planning stages since September 2024,” said Kimberly Frank of the Adams County Department of Emergency Services. The scenario involved a bus driver suffering a medical emergency, losing control of the vehicle, and plowing across Stine Lake—the grassy area between the Library and Plank Gym—before crashing into Pennsylvania Hall. While most individuals in the simulated event managed to escape harm, 14 were “struck” by the runaway bus, resulting in 11 “injuries” and three simulated fatalities.
Known as a Full Scale Exercise, the event brought together multiple emergency response agencies, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), fire departments, and law enforcement. Volunteer participants, made up with realistic-looking injuries through a technique called moulage, played the roles of victims. The deceased were represented by inflatable mannequins provided by Gettysburg Hospital.
Although the exercise was set during the academic year, when the campus is normally bustling with students, it was held during a quieter time. “We’re conducting the drill now, while only a few students are on campus and before our summer conferences and camps begin,” explained Nora LoGiudice, Assistant Director of Emergency Management at Gettysburg College.
Once agencies arrived on the scene, they quickly established a command post. EMS personnel triaged and treated the “victims,” many of whom were shouting or moaning for help. Each participant wore an armband indicating the nature and severity of their injuries to guide responders. Law enforcement secured the area while operations unfolded. The exercise concluded in about an hour.
Participants included Gettysburg College, the Adams County Department of Emergency Services, Gettysburg Fire and Police Departments, Adams Regional EMS, the Coroner’s Office, and Gettysburg Hospital.
Following the drill, all participants gathered in the college dining hall for a debriefing led by Kimberly Frank. As with any emergency simulation, the evaluation highlighted both successes and areas for improvement—with the positives significantly outweighing the negatives.
Pete Vogel, freelance reporter and photographer, is a writer and photographer in the Gettysburg Area.
Great story and love the photos!