Firefighters fit for radiological emergencies: information from the BfS!

Firefighters fit for radiological emergencies: information from the BfS!

As part of an innovative online training course organized by the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV), 280 fire brigade members acquired valuable knowledge of radiological emergency protection on January 13, 2025. The event served to familiarize participants with the essential aspects of radiation protection, particularly in crisis situations where radioactive materials are involved. Speaker Stefan Schantz from the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) presented the structure and the diverse possibilities of the authority, which underlined the importance of this training. How fireworld.at reports, the BfS is crucial for monitoring environmental radioactivity and coordinating emergency response systems in Germany.

Radiological emergency protection and support from the BfS

The central role of the BfS is supported by more than 1,700 local dose rate stations that monitor environmental radioactivity around the clock. In the event of a radiological emergency, the authority has recommended clear measures: from taking iodine tablets to carrying out evacuations. This information is essential to effectively protect the population in crisis situations and to take preventative measures. Schantz also referred to the Federal Radiological Situation Center (RLZ), which acts as a crisis team. Here the current environmental radioactivity is analyzed and a valid assessment for the affected areas is provided. These aspects were also discussed by feuerwehrverband.de highlighted.

Radiological emergency preparedness is a key issue for firefighters, as they are often the first on scene when incidents involving radiation materials occur. In this training, participants learned how to react quickly and appropriately in an emergency. Professional development of emergency responders is critical not only in the face of natural disasters, but also in technological and industrial crises.