On arrival they found carnage with casualties strewn all over the Main Stand that had collapsed during an event at the Stadium. The screams and calls for help filled the air as the teams of paramedics clambered over seats to assess and treat the victims before removing them to safety.

Operating in tight spaces with further collapse possible they raced to extract the most seriously injured and there was no time to lose with some casualties fighting for their lives. Ambulances filled the car park ready to shuttle the most seriously injured to hospital.

Of course, this wasn’t real. The South East Coast Ambulance Service were using the Mayfield Stadium for a Major Incident Exercise at the end of a three day training course held there. The “casualties” were from a local school drama group and volunteers and were well made up and coached in how to react to the arriving paramedics making the event as real as it could be. And just to reassure you, the Stand hadn’t really collapsed either.

Two scenarios took place that stretched the acting ability of the casualties, having to do each one twice. The second scene took place around the back of the Stadium that simulated a situation similar to a major accident.

AFC Croydon Athletic were delighted to play host to the South East Coast Ambulance Service. The professionalism of the 30 or so paramedics undertaking the training was there for all to see. The Club very much hope it was a successful event.

22nd April