Campus to become an ‘emergency village’

A University campus will be transformed into an ‘emergency village’ to launch two innovative degrees.

More than 25 emergency vehicles, including a helicopter and a boat, will be at the University of Wolverhampton for the event on Tuesday, 28 February 2012, which is being hosted with support from across the emergency services.

The event is to launch two higher degrees, an MSc Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response and a unique Postgraduate Certificate in the Management of Passenger Transport Emergency Incidents.

The new courses have been developed with input from industry experts and aim to equip emergency and passenger transport professionals with the skills to deal with major incidents, such as accidents or terrorist attacks.

The emergency equipment and vehicle zone is set to include an Air Ambulance helicopter; a Severn Area Response Association boat; a front-line fire engine from West Midlands Fire Service; a West Midlands Ambulance Service motorcycle and rapid response car as well as several vehicles from the WM Ambulance Service Hazardous Area Response team.

The two qualifications are designed for people working in the emergency services, transport sector and local authorities, or those seeking careers in these areas, and will be delivered by the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing from April 2012.

The launch event at Wolverhampton Science Park will be attended by leading figures from the emergency services, transport sector and Department of Health, including Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service and a senior figure from the Institution of Railway Operators.

Professor Linda Lang, Dean of the , said: “These two courses have been developed with significant service and industry input and are aimed at equipping emergency planning professional and managers, including the emergency services and the passenger transport industry, with enhanced skills to effectively prepare and deal with major incidents.

“We’re delighted to be hosting such a high profile event to officially launch the two qualifications and look forward to welcoming colleagues from the relevant sectors.”

Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “This exciting new programme draws together the unique partnerships that the University of Wolverhampton have established. Programmes such as this are increasingly important, which we fully recognise, demonstrated by our commitment to supporting and developing the University course. One of the many advantages that differentiates this programme to others is the extent to which we have partnered with other key stakeholders to ensure an appropriate programme is delivered.”

The launch event from 2pm to 5pm will include a keynote speech by Phil Storr, Head of Resilience for the NHS, and a welcome from University Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer.

There will be presentations about the courses and the partnerships between the University, emergency services and passenger transport sector that led to their development, and exhibition stands from the emergency services.

The University will be demonstrating one of its state-of-the-art Sim Men, a realistic patient simulator used to train health and wellbeing students.

Representatives and vehicles from the Highways Agency, St John Ambulance and Network Rail will also attend the launch.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.