Shocking exercise in Grabenstätt: 200 helpers save 22 injuries!

Shocking exercise in Grabenstätt: 200 helpers save 22 injuries!

Erlstätt, Grabenstätt, Bayern, Deutschland - On April 12, 2025, a comprehensive exercise of the emergency services, which was referred to as the "XL operational exercise", took place in Erlstätt, Grabenstätt, Bavaria. Over 200 helpers, including firefighters, Malteser Hilfsdienst and Red Cross, were involved in this simulation, which was an example of the challenges of a mass attack by injured (MANV). Around 400 spectators observed how the emergency services reacted to a scenario in which a bus was in the ditch was overturned, a truck overturned and several cars were involved. A total of 22 "injured" were simulated, some of which were heavily trapped. This illustrates the central importance of such exercises to prepare for real major damage situations, as defined by DIN 13050.

The forces were alerted at 2 p.m., with deputy commander Sebastian Muggenhamer took over the operations management. For months of preparation under the direction of fire brigade commander Michael Wimmer ensured that the exercise went smoothly and that the best possible communication between the various rescue organizations could be tested. The fire brigades involved came from Wolkersdorf, Grabenstätt, Chieming and several other surrounding communities.

preparation for emergencies

A central component of the exercise was to train the processes in major damage situations, whereby the trainees of the emergency paramedics were particularly able to gain important experience. In such MANV situations, such as those can occur in traffic accidents or terrorist attacks, the regular rescue workers must quickly reach their limits. It is therefore crucial to optimize the processes through exercises like this and to have a clear picture of the different triage categories. Here, patients are assigned to their treatment, which enables quick and effective care.

The security measures during the exercise included securing the bus with cable winches and wooden planks as well as the removal of several slices for quick access for the rescue teams. These teams were trained to free the "injured" from various vehicles. This creates a realistic image of a typical MANV location, in which many injured or person-in-care persons often have to be saved at once. The relevance of these exercises is also underlined by the multitude of possible damage, which are covered by the definition of the MANV.

positive feedback and evaluation

The exercise lasted around an hour and a half and ended with a debriefing that received extremely positive feedback from district fire councilor Christof Grundner. The mayor of Grabenstätt, Gerhard Wirnshofer, also praised the commitment and professionalism of the emergency services. A special thank you went to the helpers and supporters, especially the towing company Rigra. Following the exercise there was a snack in which the municipality of Grabenstätt thanked the helpers for their efforts.

This exercise is an important part of preparation for real missions, since it not only trains the technical skills of the rescuers, but also optimizes communication and organization among the various organizations in major damage. Mass attacks of injured places high demands on the operational organizations and their resources, which is why such simulations are indispensable for efficient emergency coping.