Emergency services from across Merseyside are taking part in a major incident exercise today, Wednesday 6 March, which is designed to test the initial joint response of all three emergency services, Liverpool Local Authorities, and Counter Terrorism Policing North West.
The exercise – codenamed Coral Chain – will take place at Everton Football Club, Goodison Park, and will put first responders to the test. They will be working with colleagues from Everton Football Club.
Police at the scene in the stadium
The exercise designed to ensure that we work effectively together to save lives when responding to a major incident.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul White, said:
“Multi-agency exercises such this are absolutely vital for us to demonstrate how successfully the emergency services work together in the event of a major incident.
“Merseyside Police has comprehensive emergency plans in place to deal with a range of major incidents, and a highly skilled and prepared workforce of officers and staff across the force who are ready and equipped to respond with our partners should any of those plans need to be implemented.
“Regular testing of our plans, on days like today, is essential as it allows us to adapt, learn and constantly improve and refine our plans so we have the most effective staff and resources in place at all times.
“Our ultimate aim as emergency and public services is to protect and save lives and reduce harm by continually reviewing how we work together so we can ensure we provide an effective and efficient service to those in need when major incidents occur.”
Fire and Rescue tape at the scene
MFRS Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan said:
“Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service consider all foreseeable related risks that could affect our communities; from fires to terrorist attacks. It’s really important that we are prepared and able to respond effectively with our partners to protect the communities of Merseyside from risk and harm.
“Exercising and preparing for major incidents forms a key part of our preparedness work, which has led to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service having being judged as outstanding at responding to Major incidents by the HMICFRS in their latest round of inspections.
“Today’s exercise is another great opportunity to make sure we continue to improve.”
Head of Security and Stadium Safety Officer at Everton Football Club, Dave Lewis said:
“The safety of everyone who visits Goodison Park is always paramount and, as such, we understand the value and importance of exercises like today’s.
“In addition to the emergency services testing their response, the exercise allows us to test and evaluate our own processes and we welcome the opportunity to work with emergency services and other partners from across the region and to host them here at Goodison Park.”
The stadiums Deputy Safety Officer
Detective Superintendent Alison Whittaker, Head of Protect & Prepare for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said:
“Today’s exercise is the culmination of months of planning from all agencies involved, and I’m grateful to the exercise coordinators and participants for their efforts in making it happen.
“Although we hope that incidents of terrorism never occur, it is important that we are well prepared to respond effectively so that we can minimise any impact that a potential incident could have.
“We work closely with partner agencies and businesses throughout the north west and nationally each day to enhance our preparation but the best way to really put our plans to the test is through exercises like the one we are running today.
This will help us identify areas that we may need to improve on and adapt our plans, as well as what works well and how we can build on that good practice.
“I’ve no doubt that there will be plenty to take away from today and I hope the fact that in-depth exercising is taking place offers some positive reassurance to the public around the preparedness of the emergency services and partners.”
Dave Kitchin, North West Ambulance Service Head of Service for Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“These exercises are a vital opportunity to gain experience of working alongside our emergency service colleagues in extreme situations.
Specifically, they can practise the triage, treatment, and extraction of patients in a mass casualty major incident exercise with us. It also provides an opportunity to test both our specialist and non-specialist clinicians and our operational commanders.
“This means should the worst happen, we are better prepared to respond and care for whoever needs us.”