Royal Navy personnel have trained emergency responders in the Turks and Caicos Islands as the territory prepares for the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The exercises, held on Grand Turk and Providenciales, covered chainsaw operation, initial emergency first aid and the use of drones for damage assessment and search operations, according to the Royal Navy.

British military specialists worked alongside members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment and other emergency services. The training formed part of the Royal Navy’s seasonal support for British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean.

The practical sessions were intended to help responders operate after a severe storm, when roads may be blocked, communications disrupted and public services under pressure.

A medical team led workshops on providing first aid before more advanced treatment became available, including support from an ambulance or medical evacuation.

Royal Navy and Royal Marines specialists also demonstrated how unmanned aircraft systems could be used to survey storm damage, support searches and provide responders with a clearer picture of conditions on the ground.

Rapid aerial assessments can help emergency teams identify damaged infrastructure, locate isolated communities and decide where limited personnel and equipment should be deployed.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Brett Dixon, crisis response troop commander, said the training had strengthened ties between the UK Armed Forces and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment.

“We received a very warm welcome from the TCIR and thoroughly enjoyed working alongside them, building strong relationships throughout the training,” he said. “The package enhanced resilience to natural disasters, supported the honing of their capabilities and further strengthened the partnership between the TCIR and the UK Armed Forces.”

Flight Commander Lieutenant Charles Harper said drones could improve decision-making during disaster-response operations.

“The ability to rapidly gather and share accurate information is vital during disaster-response operations,” he said. “Demonstrating our UAS capabilities and training with our Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment partners highlighted how UAS can enhance situational awareness, support decision-making and strengthen resilience across the islands.”

HMS Trent, a Portsmouth-based offshore patrol vessel, is deployed in the Caribbean during the hurricane season, which runs from 1 June to 30 November.

Its role includes supporting British Overseas Territories with preparations for severe weather and providing assistance after a storm, where required.

The Royal Navy did not provide details of any follow-up exercise or assessment that would measure how effectively the training could be applied during a real emergency.