57 Level 3 Extended Diploma Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) students and four staff members from Hartpury College took part in a multi-agency exercise, designed to test and enhance the capabilities of first responders to a marauding terrorist attack (MTA) in Gloucestershire.
The exercise took part at Moreton-in-Marsh Fire Service College on Thursday 19 September 2024. Hartpury staff and students acted as ‘casualties’ in the simulation involving Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS), Gloucestershire Police, Southwest Ambulance Service, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Avon Fire and Rescue Service, the Hazardous Area Response Team, and Seven Area Rescue Association.
Students worked alongside The Casualties Union, whose role was to increase the realism of the scenario by augmenting the number of simulated casualties. Some students took on the role of injured individuals including catastrophic bleeds and broken bones, while others portrayed distressed, confused, or uncooperative members of the public to help create the chaotic environment typical of a major incident.
This exercise is part of contingency planning and is standard national practice.
Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This large-scale, dynamic training exercise highlights the extraordinary level of skills, knowledge and expertise of ourselves and our emergency service partners.
“We always hope that we will never be called to such an incident, but by taking part in regular training exercises and continuously testing and developing our skills we can ensure that we are prepared when we are needed”.
Nick Collins, Lecturer in Uniformed Protective Services at Hartpury College added: “This is the second time our students have taken part in this hugely important simulated exercise, and it’s a unique opportunity for them to witness multi-agency collaboration. The students thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from this hands-on experience which was both educational and engaging.”
Following the exercise, Hartpury College students had the opportunity to study major incident protocols with first-hand experience of the challenges faced during such operations. They observed the importance of inter-agency communication, rapid decision-making, and the practical difficulties encountered in high-pressure, life-threatening situations.
This collaboration means Hartpury College also provides opportunity to meet with a wide range of experts and potential guest lecturers to further improve students learning experience.
Study UPS at Hartpury College
Our Level 3 Extended Diploma Uniformed Protective Services course prepares students for the application process for most uniformed protective service jobs. Students are supported to build personal attributes for a career within the uniformed protective services sector, including taking part in real world exercises with industry partners – just like this training exercise. Graduates have gone on to work for the fire and rescue service, armed forces, police, prison service, and become nurses and paramedics.
Earlier this year, Hartpury College retained Ofsted Outstanding in all areas, and received the highest grade for meeting skills needs.
