A NEW training centre which can replicate a medical emergency in a Middle Eastern street has been opened in Hereford, in collaboration with the film studios which are responsible for the James Bond franchise.

The Immersive Training Centre has been opened at Rotherwas and combines replicated street scenes, professional actors, sound, weather and other special effects to allow front-line medical professionals to be put through their paces in high-risk, high-pressure situations.

Iqarus, a global provider of intelligent health solutions in remote and difficult operating environments, has designed the centre with Pinewood Studios, which is home to the Bond films.

The centre is the first of its kind in Europe and aims to increase medical proficiency and physical and mental resilience in remote and hostile environments, such as a close protection rescue under fire to a mass casualty incident in the chaos of a crowded city.

Ged Healy, executive director of training and development at Iqarus, said: “It is one set of skills to work efficiently when confronted with a life-threatening injury. It’s another to keep your focus and perform effectively in a life-threatening situation.

“At Iqarus, we train thousands of people every year, many of whom work in mission-critical environments where even minor incidents can have major consequences.

"We know that the most effective training experience is a realistic experience. By combining battle-tested medical protocols with cutting-edge technologies, we’ve taken real-life simulation to a new level, creating the challenges of environmental extremes in a low-risk training space.”

The 8,000 sq.ft of dynamic simulation space can be used to create bespoke training environments, with any scenario, anywhere in the world.

Facilities include a street scene with a collapsed, two-story building, with explosive special effects, dust and smoke.

There are also desert, jungle and Arctic training rooms with simulated weather conditions and sound effects, and a changeable street scene which transports users from Europe to the Middle East, and beyond.

Mr Healy added: "We’ve considered every detail, from the language on the labels in our ‘shop’ to the mulch on the rainforest floor. It’s the most realistic training facility anywhere in Europe, and so far the feedback is extremely good."

International emergency and rescue services, non-governmental organisations and the defence, health, security and energy sectors have also been involved in the design.