Northwest Missouri State University is hosting its fourth annual disaster response field training exercise and is looking for volunteers.

The Missouri Hope 2016 Disaster Response Field Training Exercise is an intensive three-day domestic disaster relief training exercise that is required for students studying majors or minors in emergency disaster management (EDM). It takes place Oct. 7-9 at Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA) and the Mozingo Youth Camp.

According to a press release, volunteers of all ages are needed to play the roles of disaster victims and spontaneous volunteer community members as well as apply moulage and assist behind-the-scenes. Individuals interested in volunteering should register online.

Missouri Hope is a full immersion field training exercise sponsored each fall by Northwest’s Consortium for Humanitarian Service and Education. Partner agencies include Maryville Public Safety, Nodaway and Buchanan County Emergency Management, Nodaway County Ambulance District, LifeFlight and LifeNet Air Ambulances, SEMA Region H Marine Hazmat Team, the 1-129th Field Artillery Battalion Missouri Army National Guard and the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri National Guard. The exercise also attracts students from colleges and universities throughout the country.

Participation in the hands-on disaster response training is available to all Northwest students, regardless of major or minor. Students do not need to receive academic credit to participate, but credit may be earned by any student who desires it.

The domestic disaster response exercise challenges students to overcome fears and hone skills as emergency responders. Students work together with teams in mass casualty situations, high-angle rescues and water rescue operations.

Participants are expected to attend the entire exercise. Participants are assigned to disaster response teams and will rotate leader and follower roles.

For more information about Missouri Hope 2016 and volunteering as a role player, contact Dr. Peter Adam at [email protected]. For more information about Northwest’s emergency and disaster management program, contact John Carr at [email protected] or click here.