South Staffordshire College students take on major incident training

South Staffordshire College Public Services students have been role playing as part of their assessment course in major incidents, with help from Cannock Chase Council.

Forty-five Level 2 and Level 3 students from Cannock Campus took part, playing members of the public in scenarios where they had been evacuated from their homes to a rest centre at the Cannock Chase Council due to a major fire and toxic smoke in their area.

Council staff had to deal with problems as diverse as dietary requirements, medication needs, pet care and looking after displaced people with no accommodation. Students spoke to Council Housing Officers and identified ways of seeking assistance.

The event was pronounced a success by Council staff who thanked the students for their assistance.

Higher Education and Public Services Level 3 Co-ordinator Melanie Henry says, "I feel that by taking part in events like this, it allows our learners to get a realistic view of what role the services play and also strengthens links between the College and the local authorities.

The students enjoyed playing the role of evacuees and got into character by throwing in a number of their own problems along the way to make it more challenging to the staff."

Will Carter, aged 18, from Cannock, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services student, commented "The staff involved were very professional and took the scenario seriously. The exercise helped me to gain more insight into my assignment and the role we could have in the emergency services".

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