2026 Mass Trauma Simulation – 10th Anniversary
PMC proudly collaborated with Sydney Medical School to run its 10th successful iteration of the Mass Trauma Simulation (MTS) event on Wednesday the 6th of May 2026. I am lucky to say I’ve been around long enough to enjoy the latter half of them.
To provide some background: the MTS is a fast-paced simulation event held annually for second year medical students. Splitting over 300 students into groups of 4, about 150 each across 2 sessions, they then proceed to work through a medical emergency simulation that examines collaboration within a team setting and individual cognitive demand.
There’s chaos, there’s distractions, there’s obstacles, and there’s always a story or two by the end of the day (more on that later).
We are very privileged each year to be supported by about 30-40 clinical staff, 20-30 patient volunteers, and stakeholders of various backgrounds. Without their input, the event would not run, and we’re grateful for their continued support.
Similarly, many professional staff members from the faculty lend their skills & expertise and to the organisation & running of the event, their fantastic logistical support allowing everything to run seamlessly on the day.
Many alumni return to take part in supporting the next generation of medical professionals from the other side of the simulation. Having a personal interest in findings new ways to engage with our alumni cohort, it’s wonderful to see their passion and drive when they return to help the next generation of students.
Thrown into this mix every year are 2 actors from PMC’s unique and talented group, enjoying the opportunity to develop their own characters that draw upon their wealth of knowledge and skills exemplified in our own medical communication workshops.
And of course, Renee, our very own emcee for the day! Coordinating everything, instilling an energy and tempo that carries the event from the first minute to the last, whilst many of us are still eagerly awaiting out next caffeine fix for the day to catch up.
With that rich input from everyone, it’s easy to see why no two simulations quite feel the same.
From a personal point of view I’ve had a laugh with a student who got confused from my questioning at the comm’s table and couldn’t remember which leg the patient had injured; had students approach me looking like they are desperately trying to put things together, only to find out I’m currently not a character in the simulation and of no help; colleagues mistake me for a student trying to sneak into the simulation room early (on multiple occasions!); watched a student stop providing CPR to their dummy patient – still technically dying in front of them – to use them as a makeshift desk for note-taking; observed the annual split of students who don’t take notes, those who do take notes, and those that find innovative solutions for beating the clock; and of course the annual post-simulation tradition of everyone rustling their patient emergency blankets as loudly as humanly possible.
For me, outside of the educational crux of it all, what sticks out from staff to students is that everyone starts their day, carries out their day, and finishes their day with a smile on their face. It’s not just part of an educational curriculum; it’s a day of fun and fulfilment for all parties.
It’s community. It’s culture. It’s communication. It’s collaboration. It’s commitment. It’s challenging.
The MTS is a prime example of the university’s commitment to the values of excellence, trust, and accountability.
It’s also a day that everyone looks forward to in their calendar.
Like everyone else, I look forward to the next one! Please reach out to us at sms.pmcadmin@sydney.edu.au if you’re interested in learning more or being involved in future years.
Pam McLean Centre 