COASTGUARD NEWS - WESTERN REGION             

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Western 100/01
15 October 2001

(RNLI) WELSH JOINT SERVICE MEDICAL EXERCISE

MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) representatives joined volunteer lifeboat crews of the RNLI, Bron Glias General Hospital, the Welsh Ambulance Service plus the Dyfed and Powys and North Wales police forces in a major medical exercise (MEDEX) on Saturday, 13 October.

Lifeboat crews from Barmouth, Aberdyfi, Borth and Aberystwyth took part in an exercise designed to test the reactions of the lifeboat service to a maritime incident involving a range of casualties. The exercise consolidates the medical training the lifeboat crews receive and helps them to prepare for any incidents they may encounter in the future. 

However this year it was decided to invite other emergency services to improve liaison and understanding between the different organisations. It also enabled them to practice their response to a major incident in 'real time'.

The main exercise took place to the west of Aberdyfi while other incidents occurred at Borth and Aberystwyth. All casualties were 'acted' by local volunteers.

An exercise involving maritime and coastal search units will also took place.