Disaster control exercise in Berlin: chaos and demolition after delay!

Disaster control exercise in Berlin: chaos and demolition after delay!

In Berlin-Friedrichsfelde, a large-scale disaster control exercise was supposed to prepare the emergency services for a fictitious chemical accident, but the reality turned out to be completely different! After hours of delays, the exercise was abruptly canceled due to a lack of mobilization of volunteers. Philipp Cachée, the trainer, confirmed that despite the difficulties, valuable insights were gained.

The scenario envisaged that a chemical incident would affect almost 70 people, more than half of whom would die tragically. The exercise was a novelty in Germany, as such a “mass casualty” scenario had not been rehearsed anywhere in recent decades. Helpers were supposed to simulate the effects of a toxic substance in a university building that supposedly led to the death of people. Volunteers to act as victims were already waiting in front of and in the building.

A unique experiment – ​​processes put to the test

The exercise was accompanied by a variety of institutions, including the public prosecutor's office, forensic medicine, funeral homes, the volunteer fire department, the health department and the state police. Cachée emphasized that it was about testing processes that previously only existed in theory. Observers such as the Federal Police were also present and pointed out that in a real operational situation with professional staff, completely different results would be expected.

The exercise took place against the backdrop of changing security situations, which are characterized by the Russian attack on Ukraine and past severe weather disasters such as the Ahr flood. In Germany, the states are responsible for disaster control, while the federal government can provide support in the event of serious disasters. The authorities are required to constantly review and adapt their procedures in order to be prepared for future challenges.