On Wednesday, 3 September 2025 the Royal Air Force Museum London ran an extensive and realistic Live Emergency Exercise, conducted in close cooperation with local crews from the London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police, the London Ambulance Service, Casualty Union and the London Borough of Barnet. The full-scale drill tested the Museum’s Incident Management Plan, including real-time coordination and scenarios with key emergency services.

Pre-exercise briefing underneath the Museum’s Vulcan Bomber in Hangar 5

Set within one of the Museum’s iconic hangars, the exercise simulated a serious incident scenario—incorporating rapid response, safe evacuation, casualty triage, life preservation and communications procedures. Strategic planning and strong multi-agency collaboration ensured the exercise proceeded smoothly and met all core emergency objectives.

Alan Edwards, Head of Operations at the RAF Museum:

“It was fantastic to work with the emergency services on this exercise—which allowed us to rigorously test our incident responses and processes. The cross organisational support ensured a positive outcome, and we gained valuable insights that will bolster our preparedness for any future real-life events.”

Members of London’s Fire Brigade evacuating exercise volunteers from Hangar 2

Key Highlights of the Exercise:

Emergency Services Participation
Multi-agency integration with LFB, LAS, and Police teams to practice coordinated response.

Casualty Union
Added real life situations with their involvement, creating scenes and reactions to make the exercise much more life like.

Members of the Museum’s Operations Team assisting Emergency Services

London Borough of Barnet Observers
Viewed how the Museum and the London Borough of Barnet work together to provide a resilient link to any significant emergency response.

Scenario Scope
A fire simulation resembling a serious museum-based incident that tested evacuation, casualty care, and artefact protection.

An exercise volunteer receiving medical assistance from
a London Ambulance crew…

Operational Readiness
Realistic enactment of the Museum’s Incident Management Plan, including communications and media protocols.

Learning & Improvement
Post-exercise review planned to identify strengths and opportunities for enhancing response plans.

… before being taken to a local hospital for further treatment. 

This exercise reaffirms the Museum’s dedication to safety, operational excellence, and the preservation of the UK’s aviation heritage.