Rescue exercise in Mikulov: Cross-border fire brigade team work

Rescue exercise in Mikulov: Cross-border fire brigade team work

On November 5, 2024, an impressive example of cross-border cooperation was provided in the region when the Drasenhofen fire department and the Czech Mikulov professional fire department jointly carried out a human rescue exercise in the impressive Turold Cave. This cave system stretches over 3000 meters and has seven levels and an underground lake.

The exercise presented special challenges, primarily characterized by the challenging terrain of the cave. The emergency services set out on Tuesday afternoon to gather together at the cave entrance. Each of the participants brought special rescue equipment, including stretchers and rope equipment, to ensure safety during the exercise.

From outdoor use to the cave labyrinth

The preparation was structured and cyclical as the response teams were strategically positioned in the cave system. This preemptive planning was crucial to effectively searching all areas of the cave. In fact, the cave's narrow passages posed a major challenge, requiring rescuers not only to be physically fit, but also to have a high level of team communication and coordination.

After an intensive 15 minutes in the winding passage, the emergency services finally came across the first injured person lying on a staircase. The rescue workers provided first aid on site to prepare the person for transport as quickly as possible. The subsequent transport through the many floors proved to be an additional challenge that had to be overcome with a lot of skill and strength.

At the end of the transport, a Czech volunteer fire department took over the last section to bring the injured man safely outside. The case that made the exercise all the more interesting was the unexpected real action and simultaneous rescue of another injured member who had collapsed during the exercise. This required immediate response and resulted in undisputed teamwork between volunteers from both countries.

A total of five people had to be rescued from the cave system as part of this exercise, which clearly shows how important such exercises are in preparing for real emergencies.

After completing the exercise, the members of the FF Drasenhofen had the opportunity to get to know the fire station and the equipment of the Czech professional fire brigade better. The exchange opportunities offered the rescuers a valuable perspective on various techniques and equipment used in firefighting work.

The motto of the exercise was “Help knows no borders,” which extends not only to physical cooperation but also to the exchange of experiences between the emergency services from both countries. The exchange, which has existed since 2021 and has already proven to be effective in operations such as the tornado in the Czech Republic or a serious traffic accident, will continue to be promoted through regular exercises.

These forms of cooperation are crucial in order to sharpen the operational readiness and skills of the fire brigades and to ensure that the best possible response can be made in the event of an emergency. More information can be found at www.meinkreis.at.