A live training exercise took place in Groudle Glen last week to test the response of the Island’s emergency services to a major incident.
More than 70 volunteers acted as casualties in a scenario that required a multi-agency turnout.
The Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, Noble’s Hospital, Civil Defence, Coastguard and Search and Rescue Dogs Association attended the scene.
Officers worked together to control the aftermath of the mock incident, to locate and treat the casualties and to account for all those involved.
Live training of this nature increases the preparedness of the emergency services for a large-scale event by testing logistics, search and rescue skills, communications and joint working in real-time situations.
Clare Bettison MHK, Member of the Department of Home Affairs, attended the exercise in Groudle Glen.
She said:
‘The Isle of Man is renowned as a safe place to live and our emergency services and volunteers do a fantastic job in looking after our communities. However, it is important that we are well prepared for different types of emergencies. Training events such as this help us to plan, prepare and work together to respond to a major incident. I’m sure everyone who took part will take away some useful learning points.’
Ian Young, Emergency Planning Officer, added:
‘Taking into account the responding agencies and the volunteers who acted as mock casualties, more than 130 people were involved in this exercise. I wish to thank Manx Fell Runners, Sea Cadets, Douglas Scouts, Police Youth Scheme, Army Reserve NW-IOM, Barclays Bank and Groudle Glen Railway for their help.’
