The aim of the full-scale exercise was to test the operational capability and readiness of the civil protection units and facilities in the Börde district under realistic conditions, and to practise the coordinated interaction of all organisations involved.
The exercise scenario was based on a major aviation accident. Falling debris caused numerous incidents of damage in and around the exercise town of Schnöggersburg. In addition to several road traffic accidents on the motorway, house fires had to be tackled and a hazardous substance leak at an industrial plant had to be brought under control. The diverse operational situations required close coordination between all the forces involved and placed high demands on leadership, communication and operational coordination.
The exercise involved the Börde district’s civil protection headquarters, as well as the specialist units for command support, fire protection, NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical), logistics, medical services, welfare and water rescue. The emergency services were supported by the Bundeswehr fire brigade, the ‘Hexe’ fire-fighting aircraft from the Harz district, the Börde police station and the psychosocial emergency support team.
Full-scale exercises are an essential part of civil protection. They serve to review existing operational plans, optimise procedures and further strengthen cooperation between the various organisations. The insights gained are directly incorporated into the further development of operational planning and help to improve public safety in the long term.
District Administrator Martin Stichnoth thanked everyone involved for their dedicated efforts: “My heartfelt thanks go to all the emergency services personnel and to the organisers of this demanding exercise. The operational readiness, high level of professionalism and excellent teamwork among all the organisations involved have demonstrated just how effective the civil protection system in the Börde district is. Exercises such as these are essential for ensuring that help can be provided quickly and in a coordinated manner in the event of an emergency. I would also like to thank the German Armed Forces for providing the excellent training conditions in Schnöggersburg.”
Special thanks also go to all the supporters who contributed to the success of the exercise. The realistic conditions in the training town of Schnöggersburg gave the emergency services the opportunity to manage complex disaster scenarios under conditions close to reality and to further strengthen cooperation between the various authorities and organisations.
The Börde district will now evaluate the results of the exercise. The aim is to incorporate the lessons learnt into the further optimisation of operational planning and cooperation between civil protection units, so as to remain as well prepared as possible for exceptional emergency situations in the future.