A simulation exercise is a form of practice, training, monitoring or evaluation of capabilities involving the description or simulation of an emergency, to which a described or simulated response is made. Simulation exercises are training and quality assurance tools that provide evidence-based assessments for monitoring, testing and strengthening operational readiness to respond to emergencies. As a training tool, they allow participants to learn and practice emergency response procedures in a safe and controlled environment. As a quality assurance tool, they test and evaluate emergency policies, plans and procedures.