Emergency radio exercise 2025: Waidhofen ensures communication in the event of disasters!

Emergency radio exercise 2025: Waidhofen ensures communication in the event of disasters!

On May 1, 2025, the annual Austria-wide emergency radio exercise took place again, in which the Waidhofen/Thaya volunteer fire department actively took part. These types of exercises are important because they are intended to improve communication between different authorities, such as fire, police and rescue, during catastrophic situations. Fireworld reports that numerous radio amateurs also provided support during the exercise.

The focus of emergency radio exercises is on ensuring communication, especially if regular means of communication such as cell phones fail. In these critical situations, problems with empty batteries or missing network connections can occur, which hinder quick action. Emergency radio via radios offers a reliable alternative that allows connections to amateur radio stations via relays or emergency and calling frequencies. O1 highlights that radio amateurs in Austria are legally obliged to assist in emergencies when requested to do so by the relevant authorities.

Execution and results of the exercise

As part of the exercise, an amateur radio station was set up at the Waidhofen/Thaya fire station. The challenge was not only in setting up an antenna system, but also in coordinating the radio station with this antenna. An emergency power supply was used to operate the station. During the six-hour exercise, it was possible to establish over 170 contacts with other amateur radio stations in all federal states. According to reports from Fireworld The result of the exercise improved by more than 10% compared to the previous year.

The relevance of such exercises is particularly evident in disaster scenarios. When traditional means of communication fail, radio amateurs are critical to maintaining communications links. DL2FBO describes that emergency radio is essential for disaster control and crisis situations, especially in the event of natural disasters, technical malfunctions or during large events.

Importance of radio amateurs

The role of radio amateurs in emergency and disaster radio should not be underestimated. They are equipped with specialist knowledge and technical equipment to communicate efficiently in critical situations. To ensure operational readiness, they receive extensive training on the technical and organizational aspects of emergency radio. Cooperation between radio amateurs, authorities and aid organizations is essential for the success of such exercises.

Overall, the emergency radio exercise by the Waidhofen/Thaya volunteer fire department shows an important example of the effective use of amateur radio technology to ensure communication in crisis situations. The monthly exercises and the active participation of radio amateurs are crucial for preparing for emergencies.