Major incident test to take place in Guildford

Secamb said the public should not be alarmed by the multi-agency test on Thursday

A major incident response test, involving an ambulance service, two police forces and a fire and rescue service, is to take place in Guildford on Thursday.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said the public should "be aware and not alarmed" by the "live-play" exercise, which will take place close to the town's railway station.

A large emergency service presence is expected in the area, with around 200 responders attending to around 100 incidents.

Secamb emergency preparedness, response and resilience manager, Dave Nelson, said the test would ensure agencies were "able to work together, reduce harm and save lives in a major incident".

The exercise is being conducted by partners in the Surrey Local Resilience Forum, which works to ensure the county is well prepared for emergencies.

As well as Secamb, these include Surrey Police, British Transport Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue, Network Rail, Surrey County Council, Royal Surrey County Hospital and Guildford Borough Council.

The test will take place close to Guildford railway station

The Environment Agency, Rail Accident Investigation Branch, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, the Rail Delivery Group and Surrey 4x4 volunteers are also involved.

Mr Nelson said: "This pre-planned exercise is an important part of us being assured of our resilience and response plans which we will review and strengthen where required after the exercise.”

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