This is the scenario that formed the back-drop to Exercise Sidetrack – a survivor reception centre exercise run by Monmouthshire County Council, in collaboration with Heddlu Gwent Police, the rail operating companies and a range of voluntary agencies held on 28th September 2006 at Caldicot Leisure Centre.   

Reception Area

In the event of a serious rail incident in the Severn Tunnel, Caldicot Leisure Centre would be set up to care for passengers affected by the incident.  Exercise “Sidetrack” gave local authority staff and other agencies the opportunity to work together in establishing and operating such a centre. 

 Police Registration

The exercise was attended by over 100 volunteers who acted as “survivors” from the incident.  Each volunteer was given a specific role to play in order to challenge staff working and running the centre.  Throughout the exercise, staff from leisure, libraries and social services, supported by members of the voluntary agencies, provided care and information to the “survivors” enabling them to experience and learn from situations that might arise during a real incident.

First Aid Room

The Emergency Planning team would like to say a big thank you to all staff who took part in the exercise – both those working at the centre and those who volunteered as survivors.  Many thanks to you all – the exercise proved to be a very successful learning experience for all involved.