Students studying a Foundation Degree in Public Services with Outdoor Education at Bridgwater College were recently given the opportunity to use a hydra suite training facility at the Avon & Somerset Police headquarters.

The facility gave the group the chance to manage a simulated major incident scenario; the students assumed the position of Silver Commander and were asked to make dynamic decisions by applying the national decision making model to progress their way through the incident.

The simulation is carried out by using different methods of communication, including, radio and television feeds, and a control room that builds the scenario as it progresses. The process is as real to life as possible, with varied and often confusing and contradictory information being supplied, which the students were expected to work through. The scenario followed many different pathways depending on their decision making. At the end of the exercise the students were able to de-brief on their actions and analyse their decisions.

Student Alexia Hatzidogiannaki said,

“My experience at the hydra suite was both enjoyable and educational. The opportunity to experience the training that actual police officers undergo was a good insight into the Police Service and what it involves.”