22 February 2012
Over 40 ambulance staff were involved
in a counter terrorist exercise today to test a multi-agency
response to an attack on the Underground.
The Metropolitan Police Service and Home
Office led exercise – Forward Defensive – took place at the disused
Aldwych Underground station, which was representing Oxford Circus
station in August during the height of the 2012 Games.
Paramedics were among the first emergency
service staff on the scene and worked with police and firefighters
to get passengers to safety and treat those injured in the
incident. There were 20 patients – all played by actors – who
suffered a variety of ‘injuries’ ranging from cuts and bruises to
two patients with life-threatening injuries.
London Ambulance Service Deputy Director of
Operations Jason Killens said: “Forward Defensive was part of a
series of exercises to test the response of the emergency services
and Government to an incident during the Games. Today, our staff
were treating patients, who were taken to a casualty clearing tent
set up at the scene. Our hazardous area response team was also
there, who are specially trained to provide life-saving medical
care in difficult environments.
“It’s really important to take part in these
exercises to test our readiness for the summer – it’s vital we’re
prepared for any incident.”
The exercise is continuing over 48 hours,
while the police investigation continues.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors: