Secondary schoolchildren took part in a live simulation of a medical emergency designed to show them all the different roles involved.

The event, at Oxford Brookes University’s Swindon campus, was run in conjunction with South Central Ambulance Service and the Undergraduate Department of Medicine at Great Western Hospital Trust.

Designed to show teenagers the diverse jobs that make up the response to a medical emergency, the day involved an actor having a simulated accident followed by patient care from paramedics arriving on the scene through to surgery and aftercare.

The teenagers had the opportunity to get involved themselves, trying out their skills by taking blood pressures, immobilising patients and wearing 'ageing suits' that simulate what it feels like for older people who have age-related issues such as restricted mobility.

Lorraine Whatley,  senior lecturer in simulation and immersive technology at Oxford Brookes said: "There are so many roles in healthcare professions that youngsters might be really interested in doing but simply not know about. Hopefully, today we've raised awareness of those roles and explained how to access training."