Wrexham University students tackle ‘major incident’ exercise

Students at Wrexham University have been put through their paces in an annual ‘Major Incident Day’ designed to test their skills in real-time emergency scenarios.

The immersive training event saw students from Policing, Paramedic Science, Forensic Science, Nursing, and Operating Department Practice respond to a series of escalating situations with no prior warning, working together to apply their classroom knowledge to high-pressure scenarios.

Scenarios included an explosion, an abandoned vehicle incident with injured individuals requiring police and paramedic attention, and a police search of Ty Dysgu – the University’s on-campus simulation house. Students also managed a hostage situation where negotiators worked towards a safe release, culminating in the suspect’s arrest and processing at the university’s on-site custody suite.

To enhance the realism, the University’s B-corridor lecture room was transformed into an incident control centre, where students coordinated responses as the situations unfolded.

Andy Crawford, Senior Lecturer in Policing, said the event was a great success. “Our seventh annual Major Incident Day was a brilliant success – it’s an incredibly exciting day for our students to be part of,” he said.

“Not only does it strengthen our students’ skills as individuals but it also promotes teamwork and quality communication among the various professions – preparing them for multidisciplinary working for when they embark on their careers after graduating.”

The exercise was supported by professionals from North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, and the NHS. Crime Scene Manager Emma Roberts assisted Forensic Science students in processing the crime scene, while specialist effects company Bloody Realistic provided makeup to enhance the authenticity of the injuries. Actor Michael Corteen played the role of the offender in the hostage scenario.

Students from Coleg Cambria’s Uniformed Public Services course also attended to observe and apply lessons to their own studies.

Freya Pierce, a second-year Paramedic Science student, found the exercise invaluable. “It’s provided us with a fantastic insight into responding to a major incident that involves trauma – and seeing how each professional discipline works as part of that response,” she said.

Kaylee Williams, a first-year Policing student, added: “Days like this are vital in helping to cement what we learn in our lectures as we can actually put that knowledge into practice, in these true-to-life scenarios.”

Final-year Forensic Science student Jenny Jones highlighted the hands-on benefits: “Our role in Forensic Science as part of the exercise was Crime Scene Investigators where we were required to gather intelligence and evidence from the incidents. As someone who learns best through hands-on experiences, the day was fantastic for me – it was extremely memorable and great to see the role that each profession has to play.”

Wrexham University lecturers involved in the event will be among those present at the University’s upcoming undergraduate open day on Saturday, March 15, where prospective students can learn more about the programmes on offer.