Members of Bermuda’s emergency services have donned combat gear to join the Island’s soldiers at camp in Canada.

Two firearms-qualified police officers spent time on the range with Regiment troops, while St John Ambulance and Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service medics dealt with a range of injuries.

Satyrah Robinson, a member of the ambulance corps, was attached to the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Cadre with the rank of Corporal.

The 18-year-old Liberal Arts student at Bermuda College said: “I just wanted to get the experience — it seemed like fun and I’m enjoying myself so far.

“I’ve been doing everything the soldiers have been doing. It’s my first taste of army life and my first time in Canada — it’s nice, I like it.”

Cpl Robinson added she had dealt with cuts, abrasions and pulled muscles, as well as heat-related problems as daytime temperatures at Meaford in northern Ontario heated up.

“I’d seriously think about joining the Regiment. I don’t mind sleeping in the bushes,” she added.

“The girl who went last year liked it, so I decided I wanted to try it as well. It’s worthwhile to see how other uniformed organisations work and I like helping these guys out when they need it.

“I’ll take away experience of army life and adapting to different weather conditions, It’s been great.”

Bermuda Police Sergeant Terry Trott, a former Regiment soldier, and Pc Julian Brassington, an ex-soldier in the tough UK Royal Marines, represented their service for part of the trip,

Sgt Trott said: “It’s been fun — the ranges are much bigger than anything available in Bermuda and it’s always good to forge good links with the Regiment because we work so closely together on things like internal security and hurricanes.”

Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service firefighter Matthew Tannock, an emergency medical technician with the Regiment rank of sergeant, said: “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.

“It’s greatly enhanced my EMT skills because every day someone has an injury, so I’ve expanded my range.

“I’ve dealt with things like a dislocated shoulder and a broken knuckle. It’s good to deal with the smaller stuff because I’m used to going to major emergency situations with the Fire Service.

“I wanted to shoot a rifle and I’ve shot live rounds on the firing range, which was one of my most exciting experiences.”

The 22-year-old from Warwick, attached to A Company as a medic added: “I’ve been sleeping in the bush for a few days and the first night I thought ‘what have I signed up for?’

“But I adapted and I really enjoyed the adventure training — the kayaking was great and really relaxing.”

And Sgt Tannock said: “It’s good that we work together — if there was a major emergency, it’ll help us to respond better.”