Being there whilst remaining here
The full Hydra immersive simulation experience, wherever participants are located.
Hydra Presence enables organisations to deliver immersive, facilitated Hydra exercises remotely, bringing participants together without the need to attend a physical Hydra suite.
More than a video conference, Hydra Presence recreates the essential elements of the Hydra methodology, allowing participants to work together, respond to unfolding incidents, make decisions and reflect on their actions within a realistic, challenging and supportive learning environment.
How it works
Participants join virtual Hydra syndicate rooms where they encounter developing scenarios, receive multimedia information, discuss competing priorities and collaboratively construct decision logs.
As in a physical Hydra suite, facilitators bring the groups together in virtual plenary sessions to explore different approaches, challenge assumptions and encourage reflection.
Hydra Presence also supports hybrid exercises, allowing remote syndicates to participate alongside colleagues attending a physical Hydra suite.
Proven in practice
Since its introduction in 2022, Hydra Presence has been used across a growing range of operational and educational settings.
British Transport Police
More than 25 Trust and Confidence exercises involving officers working across different locations.
University of Portsmouth
Hydra Presence was used to deliver complex simulations involving human trafficking and organised crime, bringing participants together to investigate unfolding incidents, share intelligence and make collaborative decisions. Parallel exercises were conducted using both traditional Hydra suites and Hydra Presence, providing an opportunity to compare the two approaches. The findings supported the conclusion that remote delivery could preserve the essential immersive, collaborative and decision-making qualities of the physical Hydra experience.
Tipperary Fire Service
Multi-agency exercises exploring leadership, collaboration and decision-making.
Dorset Police
In October 2026, a counter-terrorism exercise delivered to student constables using Hydra Presence.
These applications demonstrate the flexibility of Hydra Presence, from early professional development through to complex multi-agency exercises.
Extending the learning
Developments in DLabs offer additional opportunities to examine decision logs, identify emerging themes, compare syndicate approaches and support facilitators in drawing out learning.
Technology supports the process, but the emphasis remains firmly on human judgement, professional discussion and reflective learning.
Research and methodology
Hydra Presence: Being There Whilst Remaining Here (2022)
Download the original methodology paper (PDF)
From 10kV, through Hydra, to DecisionLab (2025)
Read Jonathan Crego's article on LinkedIn
Discover Hydra Presence
Interested in delivering a remote or hybrid Hydra exercise within your organisation?