Students still needed for chemical emergency exercise

Volunteers after going through a decontamination shower during a previous exercise.

A psychology researcher who is helping emergency services improve how they would respond in the instance of a chemical spill is still looking for Sussex students to take part in a large-scale decontamination exercise on campus next month.

Students have until the end of October to sign up as a volunteer.

The field trial – a joint project between the University of Sussex and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) – will simulate the aftermath of an incident during which around 120 members of the public have been exposed to a suspected chemical, biological or radiological agent.

Doctoral student Holly Carter is carrying out the research for her PhD, supervised by Dr John Drury who is an expert in crowd behaviour. Holly is asking Sussex students to volunteer to take part. She says: “It is important to gain a greater understanding of how people might experience the decontamination process, in order to help emergency responders to optimise the way in which they manage these types of incidents. 

“We are looking to recruit around 120 Sussex students who would be willing to go through a warm shower with soapy water, wearing swimwear. Following this you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.

“The Fire and Rescue Service will be taking part so it will be a chance to take part in a process that is routinely used for real emergencies.”

The trial will take place in and around Lancaster House and York House during the daytime on 17 and 18 November.

Volunteers will each be given a £20 high street gift voucher for their participation, which will last around two-and-a-half hours (there are three timeslots across the weekend).

To find out more, email Holly at holly.carter@hpa.org.uk.

Posted on behalf of: School of Psychology
Last updated: Monday, 15 October 2012