Major emergency simulation prepares hundreds of students for careers in public service roles

Hundreds of University of Gloucestershire students gained key skills and experience at a large-scale major emergency training simulation to enhance their development and prepare them for future careers in public service roles.

Designed by the University’s Skills and Simulation team, Operation Tempest enabled students on courses across the University to put theory into practice within a demanding but controlled setting, working collaboratively with professionals from the emergency services, including University graduates.

Students were required to perform critical roles in response to a simulated emergency situation comprising a ‘protest’ and ‘counter-protest’ that descended into violence, a car accidentally ‘crashing’ into pedestrians at the same location – both resulting in many ‘casualties’ – and one person having an unknown but hazardous substance ‘thrown’ into their face.

Resembling a real-life scenario as closely as possible, the training simulation included emergency service vehicles, actors wearing theatrical make-up and simulating injuries, and the controlled use of smoke effects and loud noises.

The University’s partners from the emergency services supporting the training exercise included the Hazardous Area Response Team, South Western Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance, the critical care team from Great Western Air Ambulance, local NHS Hospital teams and Gloucestershire Police.

The University’s Oxstalls Teaching Centre was temporarily turned into the Oxstalls University Hospital featuring an emergency eye clinic for the first time, an A&E department, resus bay, a minor injuries unit, X-ray and imaging facility, assessment ward and an operating theatre.

The simulated activity featured students and apprentices from a range of programmes, including Paramedic Science, Nursing, Student Nursing Associates, Operating Department Practitioners, Diagnostic Radiography, Physiotherapy, Healthcare Science and Professional Policing, as well as Journalism, Media Communications, Sports Science and Business.

The simulation included a journalism and crisis communications element where students from Journalism, Communications and Media courses gathered information and produced simulated mainstream and social media content.

Simon Kersey, Practice Skills and Simulation Lead within the University’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “This marks the third consecutive year we’ve conducted our comprehensive annual training exercise, providing students with a realistic simulation of emergency response scenarios.

“The exercise is designed to immerse participants in the complexities and pressures of managing a simulated crisis, mirroring real-life emergencies as closely as possible.

“It offers students a valuable opportunity to hone their skills within an interprofessional framework, particularly in modern healthcare and emergency response systems. Collaborating with simulated casualties in a controlled yet challenging environment fosters teamwork and practical experience.

“Supported by our partners in the emergency services, the primary focus of the exercise is on effective interprofessional communication, with students encouraged to maintain professionalism, composure, and efficacy under pressure, reflecting the realities of high-stress situations.

“Our goal is to provide students with ‘stress inoculation,’ enhancing their ability to manage real-world emergencies with confidence, resilience, and competence.

“What sets this simulation apart is its unique collaboration. Beyond the support of NHS and emergency service partners, it involves colleagues and students from the School of Health and Social Care and other university departments, creating a truly multi-professional learning experience.”

Main image: Students working alongside healthcare professionals as part of Operation Tempest