Realistic exercise in the Oswaldibert tunnel: Fire brigade shows operational readiness

Realistic exercise in the Oswaldibert tunnel: Fire brigade shows operational readiness

On November 6, 2024, a large -scale exercise for the emergency took place in Villach, which the emergency services should prepare for a serious traffic accident in the Oswaldibert tunnel of the Tauern highway A10. The main fire station Villach, the fire brigade Töplitsch and the fire department Vassach took part in the exercise, supported by ASFINAG, the Red Cross and the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Carinthia. The aim of the exercise was to test the cooperation of the various organizations and to practice use in a tunnel under realistic conditions.

at 6:30 p.m. the exercise was alerted. There were reports from several trapped people and a dangerous goods exit in the tunnel, which immediately mobilized a large number of emergency services. The firefighters were informed about the traffic management centers in Klagenfurt and were able to drive quickly to the site. Through clear communication, the emergency services were able to get into the tunnel safely and had access to important information from the ASFINAG cameras.

operational process and rescue measures

The fire brigade Töplitsch and the fire department Vassach drove directly into the tunnel tube and came across another accident site in which a regular bus and two passenger cars were involved. The main fire station chose the other tunnel arm, which was also blocked, but offered access to the action. There, a location for the rescue work was set up and a medical care area for the injured was created.

An emergency doctor was on site to view the incoming patients and to determine their treatment priorities. At the same time, the tunnel ventilation was activated to pay harmful vapors from the scene of the accident. The firefighters worked in several teams to free the accident victims and to eliminate the dangers by leaving hazardous substances. Heavy breathing apparatus was used here to ensure the rescue under the difficult conditions.

A total of 20 people were treated on site, 10 of which had to be treated with various injuries. The assignment lasted about an hour and a half, after which the forces were able to return to the end of the end, which was organized by ASFINAG.

The exercise not only eliminated organizational ignorance, but also strengthened cooperation between the different rescue organizations. The cohesion of the various units was shown with 14 emergency vehicles and around 85 firefighters. The Wernberg fire brigade could also be a observer in this important exercise.

The Oswaldibert tunnel, an important traffic route between Villach West and Ossiacher See, is frequented by around 25,000 vehicles every day. The comprehensive exercise under the direction of the main fire station Villach underlined the high importance of preparation for emergencies in such heavily frequented infrastructure. More information about this use are here to be found.