Massive Emergency Drill Involves 260 Personnel in Fire and Accident Scenarios

On Saturday, a comprehensive emergency exercise took place in Unter-Oberndorf, organized by the Neulengbach fire department. A total of 20 fire brigades participated, bringing along 24 vehicles and 157 firefighters. Additionally, 26 emergency responders from the Austrian Red Cross and ASBÖ contributed with 10 vehicles, while the police were represented by four officers in two vehicles. The primary objective of the drill was to assess the collaboration among various emergency services during two critical scenarios: a fire incident with multiple missing persons and a severe bus accident resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.

The first scenario simulated a fire in a multi-story building, requiring firefighters to act swiftly and in coordination to extinguish the flames and locate the missing individuals. The incident command managed the rescue operations while multiple teams, equipped with breathing apparatus, entered the structure to conduct searches. Targeted rescue efforts led to the quick identification and safe evacuation of the missing persons. Ensuring a reliable water supply was critical, necessitating the use of relay lines over considerable distances. This exercise highlighted the crucial importance of communication and teamwork among the emergency personnel.

The second scenario focused on a grave bus accident involving many injured passengers and some fatalities. Firefighters were tasked not only with attending to the injured but also with extricating trapped individuals from the bus. Hydraulic rescue tools were employed to facilitate the swift and safe removal of the victims. The effective collaboration with emergency medical services was deemed essential for the rapid and efficient treatment of the injured.

A total of 260 personnel participated in this extensive exercise, demonstrating exemplary cooperation among the fire department, emergency services, and police. The event illustrated the significance of a well-organized response structure during crisis situations. Local mayors, including Karin Winter, the mayor of Maria Anzbach, along with representatives and safety officers from the St. Pölten district, observed the drill with anticipation and pride. Notable figures such as District Commander Georg Schröder of the St. Pölten fire district, along with Section Fire Commanders Richard Kraus and his deputy Rubert Bauer, closely monitored the large-scale exercise.

In conclusion, the sectional drill proved to be a resounding success, providing fire and rescue services with valuable opportunities to test and enhance their skills in realistic scenarios. The participating personnel displayed exceptional dedication and professionalism, with insights gained from the exercise set to inform future training and emergency responses, ultimately ensuring the safety of the community. Gratitude was expressed to all involved personnel and the organizers who made this demanding exercise possible.