Abandoned Perth hospital now a training ground for major emergency exercises

It's no longer used to save the lives of Perth's sick children, but the abandoned Princess Margaret Hospital site has proven useful to WA's emergency services for one final lifesaving endeavour.

WA's Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce started using the Roberts Road facility this year as a training ground for major emergency exercises.

The highly specialised team, run by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, has never-before had such a realistic training site or full access to a major piece of Perth infrastructure.

9News was invited along as they prepared to find and free survivors trapped in a building collapse during an earthquake scenario.

DFES Rescue District officer Allen Crossman said crews worked for 24 hours straight to cut through a wall, mimicking a real-life emergency situation.

"That's a real problem with a lot of difficult components to it," he said.

"We've certainly made it difficult for the crews tonight."

USAR also prepares for terrorist attacks, building collapses and natural disasters with their main focus to save every life possible.

The taskforce was developed in 2001 in the wake of 9/11 terror attack, comprising rescuers, ambulance specialists, hazardous material technicians and trauma doctors.

Each state taskforce works together to assist with training, and to provide backup rescuers in real-life emergencies.

From training to the real deal, USAR is currently dealing with the aftermath of deadly bushfires in Queensland that tore through the state's south.

"We've got enough resources to look after the incident here for the first 36 to 48 hours, but fatigue becomes a big factor."

Princess Margaret Hospital opened in 1909 but closed its doors last year following the completion of Perth Children's Hospital. Dylan Websdane