Gussendorf fire department: Breathing protection exercise inspires with spectacular scenarios

Gussendorf fire department: Breathing protection exercise inspires with spectacular scenarios

On October 24, 2025, an exciting sectional respiratory protection exercise took place in the cadastral community of Gussendorf, which was carried out by a total of 12 fire departments. The emergency services were alerted at 6:25 p.m. The exercise, led by OBI Mathias Thomann, Gussendorf's deputy commander, included several challenging scenarios that included both interior and exterior attacks.

The training area extended around Dornegg Castle, where the firefighters were able to train under realistic conditions. The focus was particularly on rescuing people and operational techniques in difficult operations. A total of 30 respiratory protection equipment wearers and 69 fire brigade personnel took part in the various challenges.

Practice scenarios and feedback

The exercise included several stations, including an internal attack, the rescue of people and also an external attack exercise using a crane vehicle from the FF Groß St. Florian. A station called “Tic Tac Toe” was also set up in which the firefighters had to place objects correctly to test their teamwork and precision. The observations of the exercise by OBR Josef Gaich (area fire brigade commander) and ABI Markus Ruhhütl (newly elected section commander) led to positive feedback about the implementation and the skills learned.

An important point in the final meeting was the introduction of the new section respiratory protection officer, BM Daniel Resch, who takes responsibility for respiratory protection matters in the “Lower Stainztal” section. Mayor Johann Posch from Groß St. Florian was also pleased with the committed implementation of the exercise.

Refreshment and conclusion of the exercise

After the exercise, the participants were entertained by members of the organizing Gussendorf fire department. This contributed to a positive end to the intensive night of training, in which the firefighters were able to gain valuable experience and further deepen their specialist knowledge.

Such practical exercises are crucial in order to optimally prepare emergency services for emergencies. As with previous exercises in Gussendorf from 2013, which were carried out by a total of 40 fire brigade colleagues, the focus is on the challenge under realistic conditions. This tradition is reflected in the diverse demands and high physical effort that firefighters have to meet in the past and present.

In addition to these regular exercises like them feuerwehrschulungen.de are described, training in special practice rooms is of great importance. There, firefighters can use thermal imaging cameras and other modern tools to improve their skills in searching for and rescuing people and in dealing with respiratory emergencies.

Continuous training and realistic preparation are key to efficiency and safety in fire brigade operations. Events like the section respiratory protection exercise in Gussendorf are therefore of immense importance for the safety of the entire community.