As much as possible the Restex was treated as a live incident.
Five units advised that they were attending, by 08.50 all five units were at the scene. One unit assumed the role of 'Bronze control' at the incident liaising with other agencies to ensure that messages were passed both internally at the incident and back to 'Silver control'.
After signing in at the Leisure Centre, the members familiarised themselves with the building and took the opportunity to chat with one or two 'familiar faces' from other agencies; both voluntary & statutory. The opportunity was also taken to obtain a Council Radio, enabling a listening watch to be kept. Hand-held CBs gave communications between various members when in the hall & the vehicles when mobile.
At 9.06 Silver sent an advisory SMS message to all units advising that units had been deployed to an incident. � In a real scenario units not involved will be advised as soon as possible as they may be required to provide further assistance later.
After a briefing at 10.00 for all personnel, explaining the scenario of a major fire requiring evacuation to a rest centre, the exercise commenced.
At 10.15 'STARTEX' was called, Silver was updated, by 10.17 the first evacuees were coming through the doors.
At 10.30 S4x4R members were deployed to transport evacuees, at 10.40 Silver Control was advised of the current deployment.
At 10.48 the first load of casualties, approximately 18, were disembarked thus freeing the vehicles for further deployment.
As there was no urgent requirement the units were given an opportunity to grab a quick coffee.
By 11.00 it was clear that the mobile phone system had overloaded meaning that there was no possibility of updating Silver Control.
By 11.25 it appeared that the fire was coming under control; however there was still a need for evacuee transport.
At 12.01 Bronze control was advised that 3 mobiles were inbound with evacuees, leaving one available as required.
At 12.13 the mobiles arrived at the scene and discharged their passengers.
As there were no tasks for our members a coffee break was called at 12.30. ------------- Breaks should be taken at every available opportunity.
At much the same time we were advised that the rest centre would be required overnight as it would not be possible for evacuees to return home. Our members immediately started helping to move furniture to enable a sleeping area to be created.
At 13.00 ENDEX was declared giving us all the opportunity to relax; or so we thought.
At 13.30 Bronze control was advised that the casualty had been safely delivered into the care of the local hospital. Silver was immediately updated.
13.38 Silver was advised that all units were returning to their home addresses.
15.00 the last unit; Bronze Control advised that he was home safe and the exercise was complete.
All in all a good day enabling links to be forged with other agencies.