Cross-border rescue exercise: 110 rescuers simulate a disaster!

Cross-border rescue exercise: 110 rescuers simulate a disaster!

In a remarkable display of cross-border cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands, a large-scale disaster response exercise took place on October 2, 2024. Over 110 rescue workers from both countries took part, supported by 30 vehicles and a rescue helicopter. The exercise took place at the Troned Training Factory training area in Enschede and simulated a fictitious scenario: a train accident in which a bus collides with a train at a level crossing. The exercise was not only training for the emergency services involved, but also an important measure to improve cross-border cooperation.

At the beginning of the day, a simulated scenario was carried out in the German city of Stadtlohn, where German emergency services were working on a mass casualty incident (MANV). They had the opportunity to consult the Dutch emergency services and incorporate their procedures. Another exercise scenario followed in the afternoon, in which the Dutch rescue workers worked under the system for large-scale medical assistance (GGB) and were able to enlist German colleagues to support them. For the first time, both sides were able to use a rescue helicopter from the ADAC Rheine air rescue station, which significantly increased the effectiveness of the exercise.

Goal of the exercise and importance of collaboration

The main objectives of this exercise were to improve joint cooperation between the emergency services of the two countries and to ensure effective coordination during operations. The focus was on critical aspects such as notifying and alerting the emergency services, management and control at the scene, and communication between teams. Another important point was the transport of patients to hospitals - an aspect that can often mean the difference between life and death.

“This exercise has once again shown how important it is that we remain in constant communication,” said Hanjo Groetschel, the medical director of the Borken district rescue service and the lead emergency doctor involved in the exercise. Manon Bruens, manager of the Bureau Acute Zorg Euregio, also emphasized the importance of cooperation. “This is the only way we can further expand our cooperation and offer each other effective and rapid support in the event of a major disaster,” she added.

The exercise was carried out under the organization of the Borken district, the Grafschaft Bentheim district, and the Dutch security regions of Twente and Noord-Oost-Gelderland. Numerous other institutions were also involved, including the hospital in Enschede, the Red Cross and various fire and rescue services, bringing together a broad base of specialist knowledge and experience. The Troned training area is part of the Twente Safety Campus, an initiative to improve safety in the region.

This training not only represents progress in cooperation between emergency services, but also acts as an example of the need for continuous training and exchange between neighboring countries. The findings from the exercise are used to optimize the procedures and to be able to react in a more coordinated manner in the event of an emergency.

For more information on the details of the exercise and the organizations involved, see the articles on Lokalklick.eu be visited.