TUNBRIDGE WELLS Hospital took part in a major exercise to test its ability at handling severe industrial incidents on Thursday (July 27).
Its procedures were tested in a scenario which saw an emergency call made from the South East Coast Ambulance Service, followed by the arrival of a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.
The exercise allowed a variety of staff at the hospital, which is one of just three Trauma Units in Kent and Medway, to test and analyse their response to a mock industrial accident.
Volunteer casualties came into the Emergency Department on foot, by ambulance, police van and helicopter, to make the scenario as realistic as possible.
After triage, reception and documentation procedures were carried out, the hospital tested its emergency communications procedures, access to specialist advice and access to supplies, while staff in the command and control room worked with other agencies to manage the influx of casualties.
Head of Emergency Planning and Response, John Weeks, said: “Exercises are an important way to test plans and train staff. I’d like to thank all those staff, volunteer patients and our partner agencies who took part.”
