Rescue workers in action: Spectacular major exercise in Homberg 2024

Rescue workers in action: Spectacular major exercise in Homberg 2024

In the small town of Homberg, a comprehensive large exercise was held last Saturday, which is known as the "Homberg 2024". Over 1,300 emergency services from different rescue organizations and authorities, including the fire brigade, police, air rescue and Bundeswehr, came together to demonstrate their skills in different realistic scenarios. This extensive exercise, which was around two years in the planning, should test and optimize the cooperation of the various rescue units intensively.

early in the morning, at six o'clock, the emergency services started with their preparations and made their way to the exercises. The exercise situations were diverse and presented the teams with enormous challenges. From the scenario of a mass carambolage to a helicopter crash to a forest fire and a dangerous property accident - the variety of operations made it clear how important such exercises are for operational readiness.

The four scenarios of the large exercise

The focus of the exercise was four exercise scenarios that simulated realistic conditions:

• Mass carambolage: This was a collision in which a fully occupied coach was involved. In this scenario, over 105 injured people were moted who had to be cared for as quickly as possible and had to be transported to nearby hospitals. Among the injured people also found serious cases that required intensive medical care.
• helicopter crash: A scenario that started around 9 a.m. A Bundeswehr military helicopter, which was on the practice flight, crashed into the area of ​​a forest campsite. The alarmed fire brigade and other rescue workers had to act immediately in order to evacuate injuries quickly and to delete a surface burn that was caused by the crash.
• forest fire: Immediately after the helicopter crash, a forest fire was created that spread quickly. The fire brigade was busy in order to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas.
• accident with dangerous goods: In another dramatic turn, a truck that was loaded with dangerous fabrics came into a critical situation after the crash. The driver lost control, which led to a leak and thus caused additional risks.

The great coordination of all units was one of the main stages of this exercise. From 8 a.m., important observers and representatives of the different organizations in the Hessenhalle gathered, including District Administrator Dr. Jens Mischak and other leaders to pursue and evaluate the course of the exercises.

The emergency services were ready to hinder over 100 injuries that were depicted by actors. The quick medical care and efficient transport to surrounding hospitals were of essential importance. The German Red Cross from Vogelsberg and DRK weather, which provided over 850 portions, provided the physical well -being of the participants.

Overall, the exercise showed how organizationally capable and well positioned the various rescue workers are. The realistic conditions and numerous challenges helped win valuable impressions that are important for future missions. Such exercises are not only important to train the emergency services, but also to protect the population and to be optimally prepared for possible emergencies.