Emergency training drill takes place at airport

A major incident exercise involving emergency vehicles using blue lights and "actors in distress" has been held in Jersey.

Exercise Starling involved multiple agencies and aimed to test how the island responds to emergencies, especially those involving an aircraft, Ports of Jersey said.

Flights operated as normal and airport operations were not affected.

Officials told people attending the airport not to be worried as the event was not a real emergency.

Members of the Jersey Resilience Forum, including Jersey General Hospital, States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and States of Jersey Police were involved in the exercise.

Ports of Jersey said: "The exercise provides an opportunity to put important emergency plans into practice, as well as ensuring requirements are met under Civil Aviation regulations.

"To make the exercise as realistic as possible, volunteer actors will play various roles - some may look distressed or appear to need medical attention - please don't be alarmed if you see this happening."

It said people might have seen more ambulances and police at the hospital while the drill was conducted.

Richard Blake, Jersey's deputy emergency planning officer, said: "In Jersey, we plan for at least one 'live play' major incident exercise every year.

"It's a great way to test our plans in a controlled environment and learn from the experience."

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