A CONSULTANT from the Countess of Chester Hospital led a medical exercise designed to prepare civilian doctors and nurses to cope with a battle scenario.

Don Smith, 50, combines his work at the hospital with the role of Surgeon Commander with the Royal Naval Reserve Medical Branch.

And he was given the job of heading a team of medical reservists coping with an influx of 'wounded' at an exercise at the Royal Army Medical Corps training centre near York.

The simulated event was planned months ago, but could soon become all too real, as Cdr Smith admits. 'We are aware that we may have to fulfil this role quite soon, although obviously that lies in the hands of the politicians,' he said.

In a crisis, volunteers like Cdr Smith would not be called upon immediately, but would be on standby to relieve career personnel if a conflict became prolonged.

Cdr Smith, who lives in Upton, Chester, with wife Melanie and four-year-old son Peter, set his heart on a medical career at an early age, but also had a hankering to join the navy. By joining the RNR I was able to combine these two ideals and I've loved every minute of it.'

The exercise assumed that crack Royal Marines and undercover SAS forces, together with American special forces, were operating inside enemy territory.

At sea, British naval vessels stood by to give air and logistical support.

They included a cramped hospital ship waiting to receive casualties from the land-based operation.

Horrific gunshot and shrapnel wounds are created using ingredients like food colouring and jelly to create blood, while a dough produces appalling-looking burns.

For the volunteers, including Cdr Smith, such scenes could become real if they are called upon to go to war in the weeks ahead.

'Everyone knew exactly what the implications were. There is a possibility that we could be called up,' he admitted.

If his services are needed, Cdr Smith could be based upon the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus, a multi-roled vessel recently refitted at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead.

Alternatively, he might be asked to join a merchant ship converted for medical use, or even be land-based. But whatever a possible call-up might involve, Cdr Smith is ready. 'Nobody actually relishes the thought of having to do it, and being away from family, but I would be confident our branch could do its job effectively.'

* The Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) is an integral part of Britain's naval forces, comprising a corps of about 3,500 men and women trained in peacetime to help the Royal Navy meet its operational commitments in times of crisis and war. Anyone interested in joining the RNR medical services should call the recruiting officer on 0151 707 3344.