Emergency services test their response to ‘hospital explosion’ during exercise

Emergency services during a training exercise at Papworth Hospital. (Image: Archant)

Firefighters and officers from Papworth and St Ives were called to a practice scenario involving an explosion on the hospital site, which also required police and ambulance support.

The hospital’s crisis management team was also set up and put to the test.

Watch commander Martin Ward, of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This exercise allowed us to test our response procedures while working with our partner agencies in a realistic setting. We were also able to use live casualties with simulated injuries, which allowed the crews the opportunity to rescue and provide first aid, while working with ambulance staff on the aftercare.”

The scenario also tested the hospital staff’s response plans, including setting up a critical incident management team with representatives from the hospital’s clinical, operations and communications teams.

Emergency services during a training exercise at Papworth Hospital. (Image: Archant)

Eilish Midlane, chief operating officer at Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Like all hospitals, Papworth must be prepared to deal with a huge range of critical incidents that could occur without warning on the hospital site.

“This training exercise was an excellent opportunity to put our critical incident plan to the test, train new members of staff and identify ways we can be even better prepared. We would like to thank the local emergency services for helping us to organise such a valuable event.”