The UK Army Reserve recently conducted a large-scale explosion response exercise near Glasgow, involving 144 (Parachute) Medical Squadron and local emergency services to simulate a gas explosion scenario.
The exercise took place at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service National Training Centre in Cambuslang. Soldiers from 144 (Parachute) Medical Squadron, part of 16 Medical Regiment, worked alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Multi-Agency Resilience Training and Exercise Unit.
According to the British Army, the drill tested specialist medical skills in a realistic multi-agency setting. Personnel established a Pre-Hospital Treatment Team and a casualty clearing station to manage simulated casualties from a village gas explosion. The exercise aimed to enhance collaboration, decision-making, and leadership in dynamic operational conditions.
144 (Parachute) Medical Squadron is unique among Army Reserve medical units for its parachute capability. It provides essential first-line medical support and secondary healthcare to both military personnel and civilians worldwide as part of the Global Rapid Reaction Force.
The squadron operates under 16 Medical Regiment, which supports 16 Air Assault Brigade. The regiment includes specialist doctors, nurses, dentists, and combat medical technicians, capable of deploying via parachute, helicopter, or airlanding depending on mission needs.
The British Army emphasized that exercises like this ensure reservists can integrate effectively with civilian agencies during domestic emergencies while remaining ready for overseas operations.
