Safety first: large-scale fire brigade exercise in Bad Goisern!

Safety first: large-scale fire brigade exercise in Bad Goisern!

On April 12, 2025, a comprehensive operational exercise took place in the old people's and nursing home in Bad Goisern, Upper Austria. This simulated a fictitious fire in the main kitchen of the house, in which several people were missing. The aim of the exercise was to prepare the local emergency services for an emergency, which was supported by close cooperation between the fire brigade operations management and those in charge.

During this exercise, finding the missing people was given top priority. The fire brigade deployed respiratory protection teams to rescue people and used an aerial rescue vehicle to rescue residents from the upper floors. At the same time, fire fighting was supported by several pipes from tank fire engines, while the rooms were cleared of smoke using ventilation devices. Firefighting water was supplied via three supply lines fed by hydrants and pumps. A drone was used to expand situational awareness, while breathing air bottles were filled on site by a respiratory protection vehicle.

Emergency forces and implementation

Around 80 emergency services were involved in the exercise, including the fire departments from Bad Goisern, St. Agatha, Lasern, Weissenbach and Lauffen. Head of Operations Claus Ebner emphasized the importance of optimal preparation for possible real operations, especially in an environment in which many people live who may be particularly vulnerable.

The operation in a retirement home poses special challenges for the fire department, as evacuation and rescue in such a scenario requires special techniques and measures. The technical recommendation for firefighting presents strategies as to how people should be rescued in the event of a fire. Such exercises are essential to ensure smooth and effective cooperation between all parties involved and to maximize the safety of residents. Further information can be found in the specialist recommendations for firefighting IDF NRW.

The successful implementation of this exercise demonstrates the fire brigade's commitment to continually preparing for the challenges of the operation in order to be able to act quickly and efficiently in an emergency. Fireworld reports that the exercises not only serve to apply knowledge in practice, but also strengthen trust between the units involved.