SORT operatives from SECAmb have been practising their response to chemical incidents with woodland training sessions, thanks to community help in West Sussex.
The Special Operations Response Teams have taken part in exercises mimicking a chemical release in a woodland area run by Gary Marlow from the Woods for Learning outdoor adventures site in Horsham.
“Our SORT staff 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,” said Steve Babonau, SORT Training Manager.
“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 Special Operations Response Team (SORT) is made up of ambulance staff with additional training to handle hazardous situations, such as chemical incidents, to ensure patient safety and support wider emergency service operations.
Rigorous SORT training means SECAmb can respond decisively to complex and high-risk emergencies.
Steve said this exercise provided the opportunity to practice multi-agency working while using personal protective equipment and operating a decontamination unit.
“We have been able to use a woodland area for a number of months due to Gary, so huge thanks to him,” said Steve.
“We’re also very grateful to everyone who has played a part and helped make our training so effective,” he added.
“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.”
