University stages disaster simulation exercise

The University of Ulster has helped showcase a disaster simulation exercise to show how nurses would cope in the face of a bio-chemical attack in the province.

Organised by the School of Nursing at the University of Ulster in partnership with EMART (Emergency Medical Assistance and Rescue Team), one such camp has been set up at the Magilligan Training Centre near Limavady where conditions will replicate as closely as possible those in a disaster situation.

Actors, made up of University of Ulster nursing students, will be brought to the temporary healthcare facility suffering from conditions such as anthrax inhalation, burns, head fractures, gunshot wounds, influenza, psychological distress and separation anxiety.

The exercise will be staggered so that there will be a steady influx of patients as well as “emergency scenarios”, which will involved high numbers of casualties being rushed in en mass.

Pat Deeny, Spokesperson for the Exercise Control Team at UU, said: “This is the third time we have staged a simulated disaster and mass casualty event like this. Disasters nowadays are much more complex and nursing staff must be prepared to a higher level.

"Terrorism adds a new dimension to disasters and staff must have a high level of awareness in relation to this."

The event was a great learning opportunity for all aspects of emergency response in Northern Ireland, Mr Deeny concluded.

(MB/GMCG)