Rescue exercise in the Borken district: Germans and Dutch united in action

Rescue exercise in the Borken district: Germans and Dutch united in action

In a special exercise scenario, more than 110 rescue workers from Germany and the Netherlands joined forces in Enschede on October 2, 2024 to prepare for dealing with a simulated mass casualty incident. Faced with a fictional train accident in which a bus collides with a train, emergency responders had to act quickly while confronted with a large number of injuries and unclear information.

The exercise took place on the grounds of the Troned Training Factory and involved not only German and Dutch rescue services, but also almost 30 vehicles and a rescue helicopter. The exercise was designed to ensure smooth cooperation between the different emergency services and to better understand the methods and procedures of the two countries.

Focus of the exercises

Particular attention was paid to alerting the emergency services, on-site coordination and communication between the teams. “This event once again underlined the need to remain in constant communication in order to be able to react quickly and effectively in an emergency,” explained Hanjo Groetschel, the medical director of the Borken district rescue service and participant in the exercise.

The morning began with a scenario on the German side in Stadtlohn, where the German emergency services were working within the framework of the MANV (mass casualty incident) system. In the afternoon, an operational scenario followed in Enschede, in which the Dutch rescue workers used their system for large-scale medical assistance (GGB). During the exercises, both sides had the support of a helicopter from the ADAC air rescue station Rheine, which significantly expanded the logistical options.

This exercise was not only an opportunity for practical application, but also a step towards improving cross-border cooperation. In addition to the rescue workers, other organizations were also involved in the exercise, including the Medisch Spectrum Twente Hospital, the Rode Kreuz and the Bocholt Fire and Rescue Service Academy, to name just a few.

“Our experience shows that in crisis situations, support from the neighboring country can often be crucial,” added Manon Bruens, manager of the Bureau Acute Zorg Euregio. The exercise was part of the Twente Safety Campus initiative, which aims to strengthen safety measures and emergency management in the region.

The focus is on the commitment of rescue workers and cooperation between different organizations in order to be better prepared for future emergencies. The Borken district and the Grafschaft Bentheim district work closely together to increase the effectiveness of their rescue teams across the border.

Provides a comprehensive overview of the situation the report on burlo-direkt.de.