RESCUING casualties trapped inside collapsed buildings after earthquakes, searching for survivors and negotiating hostile roadblocks have been some of the challenges faced by Serve On disaster responders.

The Salisbury-based charity pushed its volunteers to the test in a gruelling five-day exercise - Fake Quake - which recreated some of the scenarios they could face when deployed todisaster zones.

The exercise was the culmination of 18-months training and came to an end on Monday afternoon in Woodford with the team carrying a casualty on a stretcher. They were greeted by the rest of the Serve On team.

The volunteers taking part, if successful, will go on to become fully fledged members of Serve On's international response team (IRT).

Fake Quake started on Thursday night at Salisbury Fire Station, the charity's headquarters.

The team undertaking the challenge were unaware of the events that were to unfold, or the locations they would be sent to. An SMS text alerted them to an earthquake striking.

Over the following days they were put through different scenarios — including a simulated earthquake, water rescues and other challenges at different locations including Salisbury Plain, Dartmoor, Exeter, Exmouth and Plymouth. 

Exercise co-ordinator Clare Gallop said it has been an experience preparing the exercise. “It’s been a real privilege to prepare this exercise, which is being supported by hundreds of volunteers from different agencies, groups and some other international USAR teams.”

Volunteer Nick Borritt, who is also a firefighter for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, on finishing the exercise, said: "It was absolutely incredible — what an experience. It was tough.

"I am so glad I got to achieve something as special as this."

He added: "Coming out of the end of this makes me feel I could achieve anything and I want to go on achieving."

Serve On were the first responders from the UK to reach Nepal after the 2015 earthquake hit.

It also has community resilience teams who provide flood rescue and support during disasters. The teams helped out during the flooding in Cumbria and Yorkshire in November and December.

Serve On operations director Dan Cooke said: "There's been fantastic operational planning from the team. We have had amazing support from the Royal Navy and the British Army, landowners and businesses.

"The key thing from my perspective is that these people experience as much realism as possible so when deploying in all situations they are effectively able to cope and thrive in very difficult situations.

"It has been a really long journey as these things always are. I am really proud to see this group of people get to this point and take them to further to help people in need."

Dan also thanked Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue for its continued support and the firefighters at Salisbury Fire Station.

Serve On is a humanitarian assistance and disaster response charity that supports domestic and international communities in times of need.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Serve On go to serveon.org.uk