Bodies were scattered, cars flipped – the scenario, an EF2 tornado touching down at a soccer field in Midhurst.

This was the mock situation on Sunday morning, as emergency crews took part in disaster training. It’s a reminder that every second counts and that causalities can greatly outnumber police, firefighters and paramedics on scene.

That’s when St. John Ambulance comes in.

“When EMS is overcapacity, we come on and help provide first aid medical response,” says Erin Marie Butt, a first responder for St. John Ambulance.

 St. John Ambulance organized the exercise for roughly 50 of its volunteer from across the province.

“The traumatic injuries that you would suspect sometimes are masked by the medical injuries, so it’s really a mixed bag,” says Hartford Murdoch, a St. John Ambulance first responder.

This type of training exercise was last offered four years ago  by the organization, but  the EF2 tornado that roared through an Angus subdivision last summer is a stark  reminder that a disaster can occur with little or no warning.

“That's what really got us geared up for this exercise,” says organizer John Seney. “We want to be ready when it happens; even an EF5 tornado only gives a 20 second warning.”

The purpose of this exercise is to see how well prepared St. John Ambulance first responders are and learn how they can better assist police, fire and paramedics.

“We get an opportunity to understand what St. John can bring to the table as far as resources, equipment and training,” says Stephen Trafford, deployment and planning supervisor for Simcoe County Paramedics. “So it allows our paramedics a little more comfort as to what they can expect.”

Everyone involved must treat this exercise as if it's real in order to immersive themselves in the learning experience.

“There are options where we may need a little more training in some areas and logistic support,” says Butt.

St. John Ambulance is calling Sunday’s training exercise a success.