High savers train on the Ferris wheel: Safe use at large heights!

High savers train on the Ferris wheel: Safe use at large heights!

Riesenrad, Wien, Österreich - On May 14, 2025, the Austrian professional fire brigades trained in a very special way: they climbed onto the Ferris wheel in the Prater in Vienna-Leopoldstadt. This extraordinary exercise served and took place as part of a multi -day event, which was organized from May 13th to 15th, 2025. A total of 26 trainers from cities such as Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz, Salzburg and Vienna took part in the training, which is an important element of rescue technology. The Vienna professional fire brigade, as the organizer, made the premises and the organization available.

The training took place at a height of 65 meters. In addition to physical fitness, such a height also requires special knowledge in the areas of rescue technology and equipment. The aim of the training measure was to improve the rescue techniques at large heights and to optimally prepare the height rescuers for possible inserts. The exercises included the use of special rescue devices, whereby the Ferris wheel offered a realistic environment for practical applications.

challenges of altitude rescue

The height rescue is an important area of responsibility of the fire brigades that requires special skills and knowledge. It becomes particularly challenging if conventional means such as aerial ladders cannot be used or if you have to work in dangerous areas that are about to collapse. The tasks of the height rescuers are diverse and range from the rescue of people from great heights to first medical care under difficult conditions.

• Rescue of people from ups and downs (e.g. from buildings, bridges, mountain peaks).
• Settlement and evacuation of injuries or dead as well as animals.
• Technical assistance with special equipment (e.g. rope systems, bottle moves).

A comprehensive training is necessary for the implementation of such operations. Height rescuers not only have to acquire theoretical basics, but also learn practical skills in rope techniques, node science and the handling of rescue equipment. The entire training includes various modules that extend over several weeks to months and also include cooperation with other organizations such as mountain rescue, police and military.

training and equipment

The special equipment that use height rescuers are essential for their safety and the successful implementation of the missions. This includes climbing belts, helmets, climbing ropes, carabiners and various types of rescue equipment. The members of the height rescue units are qualified by their training according to the guideline of the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association and have the necessary experience in order to be able to act quickly and effectively in difficult situations.

In 2000, the Graz professional fire brigade became the first fire brigade in Austria with its own height rescue unit. Since then, such units have established themselves as indispensable in difficulties, and their importance increases every year.