Safety exercise challenges USQ and emergency services

USQ's emergency procedures will be put to the test on Wednesday, October 27 when safety exercise 'Mountain Mist 2010' takes place on the Toowoomba campus.

USQ will join with a number of agencies including the Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and State Emergency Service to undertake a scenario in a USQ workshop involving injured students, fatalities, hazardous substances and simulated fire/smoke.

USQ Safe Manager Michael Flannery said the exercise - similar to one held at USQ Toowoomba in 2008 - was essential crisis training for any large organisation.

'This exercise will be challenging for all involved and will give us a clear indication of how our procedures are implemented in a realistic scenario,' Mr Flannery said.

'The USQ Safe team and other staff across campus have learned a great deal in the planning and preparation stages during the past two months.

'Now it’s time to test everyone on campus, as well as the local emergency services, to ensure we’re all on the ball in the event of an emergency.'

The exercise will take place between 10am and midday in Q-Block (near Baker Street), and some of the adjoining carpark.

First-year acting students will take on the roles of the injured complete with Moulage (imitation injuries) to challenge first aid teams.

USQ Safe Manager and exercise coordinator, Michael Flannery, and media spokespeople from the QLD Police and QFRS will be available for media interviews on the day.