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A new training facility has opened to prepare ambulance teams across England for major incidents, from building collapses and plane crashes to terror attacks, following a £5.9m investment from NHS England and London Ambulance Service.
The NHS Resilience Emergency Capabilities Unit (NHSR ECU), commissioned by NHS England and hosted by London Ambulance Service, offers specialist training to ambulance services nationwide, helping teams respond to high-risk and complex incidents.
Training at the new facility includes scenarios such as marauding terrorist attacks, chemical hazards, collapsed buildings and treating patients at height.
“Our incredible colleagues across the country stand ready to care for the nation in some of its most harrowing and devastating moments.
“Caring for patients in high-risk environments, whether that is a terrorist attack, a large building fire or a train crash, requires a huge amount of skill, clinical expertise and strategic oversight.
“We are investing in our patients and the command and interoperable capabilities of our teams by enhancing the educational programme we offer to our NHS partners.”
Natasha Wills, Director of Resilience and Specialist Assets, London Ambulance Service.
The unit has relocated to Capita’s Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, a site known for multi-agency training. The upgraded facilities provide improved opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration.
The college opened its Immersive Skills Lab earlier this year, using virtual reality to simulate real-world incidents and give responders from different services the chance to practice coordinated responses across a wider range of scenarios. You can find out more here.
“Ambulance crews across the country play such a crucial role in saving lives and are first to respond alongside our blue lights partners when the unimaginable happens.
“The investment in these new facilities will bring together the very best in clinical expertise and equip our specialist staff with the latest tools, skills and training they need to safely care for communities in the most dangerous and complex circumstances.”
Dr Mike Prentice, National Director for NHS Resilience, NHS England.
The new hub also supports NHSR ECU’s strategy to provide clinically-led patient care in line with recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
Natasha added: “Our training centre brings together expertise from ambulance services and emergency partners under one roof. It’s a world-class facility that enhances how we train, collaborate, and innovate.”
“We are proud to welcome the NHS Resilience Emergency Capabilities Unit to the college where emergency responders will be training and practising their skills using our unique incident ground as well as our cutting-edge technology in the recently-opened Immersive Skills Lab.”
Hume Jones, Managing Director, Capita Fire and Rescue.
The NHSR ECU remains England’s national centre of excellence for emergency preparedness, resilience, and response, ensuring ambulance services are ready for the most challenging incidents whenever they occur.
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