Horsham emergency crews tackle simulated chemical release

The exercise took place in Horsham, West Sussex, and was organised by the South East Coast Ambulance Service’s Special Operations Response Teams (SORT).

It simulated a chemical release in a wooded area and was supported by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Steve Babonau, SORT training manager, said: "Our SORT operatives in Powered Respirator Protective Suits (PRPS), alongside our West Sussex Fire and Rescue colleagues wearing breathing apparatus, entered the woodlands to search for ‘patients’ affected by the chemical.

"The teams then had to triage and treat the patients, before moving them to a decontamination area to be properly washed down by further ambulance SORT staff in PRPS."

The training exercise was held at the Woods for Learning outdoor adventures site, run by Gary Marlow.

Mr Babonau said: "We have been able to use a woodland area for a number of months due to Gary, so huge thanks to him."

Mr Marlow was presented with a SECAmb Certificate of Appreciation.

Mr Babonau also thanked others who contributed to the training.

He said: "We’re also very grateful to everyone who has played a part and helped make our training so effective.

"That includes Surrey Casualty Union Branch for supplying live play actors to act as patients, our Community First Responders who played live casualties and supplied a refreshment vehicle and Horsham Rugby Club for use of part of their car park for our decontamination structures."