Medics involved in disaster simulation exercise in Portsmouth

A major exercise is taking place in Portsmouth to test how medics would respond to a disaster involving mass casualties.

Nursing staff and doctors from Queen Alexandra Hospital are taking part in the three-day simulation.

The disaster simulation is based on a scenario involving an earthquake, a volcanic eruption and a major storm that results in a severe humanitarian disaster.

Exercises are taking place at various locations around Portsmouth, including the University of Portsmouth, which has organised the exercise.

Phil Crook, an expert in crisis and disaster management at the university said: "Exercises such as this allow responders to practice their capabilities to be ready for deployment in emergencies of all types.

"This event is also used as a basis for a significant amount of research into how response can be more effective, training and exercising can be improved and emerging technologies can be incorporated to enhance organisational capabilities."

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