Islanders are being advised not to be alarmed as emergency services conduct a major incident exercise at Jersey Airport. The training will feature blue-light emergency vehicles and actors portraying people in distress to simulate a realistic crisis scenario.
When and Where the Drill Will Happen
The exercise, named Exercise Starling, will take place at Jersey Airport between 16:00 and 22:00 BST, according to Ports of Jersey.
Despite the scale of the operation, officials confirmed that:
Flights will continue as normal
Airport operations will not be affected
The drill is designed to test the island’s emergency response systems — particularly for situations involving an aircraft.
Multiple Agencies Working Together
Exercise Starling will bring together several key members of the Jersey Resilience Forum, including:
- Jersey General Hospital
- States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service
- States of Jersey Police
Ports of Jersey said the exercise offers a vital opportunity to practice emergency plans and meet Civil Aviation safety regulations.
“The exercise provides an opportunity to put important emergency plans into practice, as well as ensuring requirements are met under Civil Aviation regulations,”
— Ports of Jersey spokesperson
Realistic Simulation With Volunteer Actors
To make the exercise as lifelike as possible, volunteer actors will take part by playing various roles. Some may appear to be injured or distressed, and others may require apparent medical attention.
Authorities are reminding residents that this is only a simulation. Members of the public may also notice increased ambulance and police activity at Jersey General Hospital during the event.
“Please don’t be alarmed if you see people who appear to be hurt or distressed — it’s all part of the exercise,” Ports of Jersey added.
A Controlled but Essential Test
Richard Blake, Jersey’s Deputy Emergency Planning Officer, emphasized the importance of such exercises for maintaining readiness across the island’s emergency services.
“In Jersey, we plan for at least one ‘live play’ major incident exercise every year,” Blake said.
“It’s a great way to test our plans in a controlled environment and learn from the experience.”
Why It Matters
Exercises like Starling ensure that all emergency and healthcare teams across Jersey can respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of a real aircraft-related emergency. They also strengthen coordination between different agencies and provide valuable training in crisis communication and patient care.
