Major incident exercise in Burgess Hill - volunteers sought

Taking place in Burgess Hill on May 14, it will be a large exercise with a number of volunteers required to help the emergency services, local authorities and partner agencies prepare to respond to emergencies and major incidents through Sussex.

“We are looking for a variety of role players to take part in this live exercise,” states the county council on its website.

“You will be given a specific role to play on the day and this may require you to simulate an injury, play a specific character or purely to be a person in the area that the exercise is in.

“You should be aware that during this exercise we will have casualties with simulated injuries and therefore you may be in close proximity to these and those who would be uncomfortable with this are asked not to apply.

“During the exercise there is a high likelihood of loud noises, disruption and a confusing scene to make this as realistic as possible again should you not feel comfortable at this time with this scenario then please do consider carefully if you wish to apply.”

Those with some previous experience or have some acting ability or those who have taken part in similar exercises in the past are sought.

There is a list of requirements organisers are looking to achieve for the exercise to be meaningful for the emergency services and others taking part.

Volunteers would have to make their own way and arrangements to attend a site in Burgess Hill and will be provided transport to the exercise site following a safety briefing.

Once at the site they will be managed and directed by a team of emergency service personnel to play in the scenario and at an appropriate time you will be taken back to the site in Burgess Hill and processed and allowed to leave.

Light refreshments (tea/coffee etc) will be provided for you at the site in Burgess Hill, but there will be no repayment of any expenses incurred to attend the site in Burgess Hill, but parking will be made available for free.

There are public busses the serve the site in Burgess Hill should you wish to travel by Public Transport.

More detailed information regarding the exercise will be provided to selected volunteers along with the exact location to meet in Burgess Hill.

To register your interest visit https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/apps/formbuilder/showForm.do?title=SRF%20Exercise%2014

Closing date for expressions of interest is 30th March 2014.