This coming Wednesday, an "unexpected" incident will impact thousands of people at Nord University in Bodø, Norway. Øvelse Nord 2017 is a large scale crisis simulation that aims to be as realistic as possible.

- This simulation is an important arena for interaction between different authorities. It aims to better equip society to respond to and manage emergency situations, says Arne Brinchmann, Head of Organisation at Nord University.

Risk assessment

The crisis simulation is based on risk assessments conducted by the Norwegian Police Security Services, the Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergency, and military intelligence services.

As realistic as possible. 'Øvelse Nord 2017' could be one of the world's largest university crisis simulations. (Above and top photo: Grethe Elvenes, Nord University/Archive).

The simulation is the 10th annual crisis simulation at Nord University and will include up to 4,000 individuals, as well as a significant amount of emergency response equipment.

Bodø municipality, police, fire services, Helse Nord (the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority), the Norwegian Defence Force and Nord University Bodø have collaborated on crisis simulations for a number of years.

Minister for Defence. Minister for Defence Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide (Conservatives) will talk about civil protection and emergency preparedness in the north prior to the simulation. (Photo: Asgeir Spange Brekke, Ministry of Defence)

Other participants in this year's crisis simulation are the National Crisis Support Unit, the Royal Police Escort, Nordland County, the Nordland County Governor, Fauske Municipality and the Coast Guard.

The press are invited to follow the crisis simulation.

Focus on crisis

From April 24 – 25, Nord University will host a range of seminars and lectures on the topic of emergency preparedness and response.

Speakers include Minister for Defence Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide (Conservatives) and Lieutenant Colonel Kåre Emil Brændeland.

Brændeland served as combat medic in Bosnia in 1994 during the Balkan war. In 2014, he received the Norwegian War Cross with Sword for his efforts in leading the evacuation of hundreds of patients and next of kin from the hospital in Gorazde, which was under siege.

Saved many lives. Lieutenant Colonel Kåre Emil Brændeland is a highly decorated Norwegian Medical Officer who has served in many of the world's war zones. (Photo: Ministry of Defence).