British reservists prepare to join fight against Ebola

12 Dec 2014 01:18 PM

The first UK reserves are joining nearly 100 regulars as they prepare to travel to Sierra Leone to help tackle the Ebola outbreak.

Both regular and reserve personnel from across the 3 services are undergoing their final preparations before they deploy to Sierra Leone on 20 December.

The 9-day, mission-specific training took place at the Army Medical Services Training Centre at Strensall Barracks near York. It is designed to test and develop clinical and organisational procedures.

Personnel undergoing the training carried out parts of the exercise in protective equipment, in a hangar converted into a mock-up field hospital treating simulated casualties.

UK military personnel were joined by members of the Canadian military and Danish healthcare workers.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois, said:

Our armed forces have already played a leading role supporting the UK’s efforts to tackle Ebola and I welcome the deployment of reservist personnel to continue that crucial work.

During my visit to Sierra Leone last month, I witnessed the impressive contribution the military has provided to the fight against Ebola thus far; by treating infected healthcare workers, providing protective equipment training at the Ebola Training Academy, assisting in the build of 6 treatment units and providing logistical support across our operations.

Our personnel are doing very important work – for which they deserve our grateful thanks.