Potsdam planning to simulate emergency crisis management involving substantial injuries.
In a bid to test their preparedness for disaster situations, the Potsdam Fire Department recently conducted a large-scale exercise at the Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion in Babelsberg. The simulation involved the collapse of a portion of the tribune roof, mimicking a potential disaster scenario.
The exercise was not a real disaster, but a valuable training opportunity for around 170 emergency personnel, who were joined by 150 extras, medical and nursing staff, and utilised 50 vehicles, including a helicopter. The event also saw the participation of local authorities and other relevant agencies.
The Potsdam exercise was not an isolated event. A similar exercise was conducted by Cottbus the previous week, involving 500 people and 93 injured individuals. This shows a growing trend in Germany for disaster preparedness exercises, particularly in light of recent events involving wildfires and heatwaves.
In early July 2025, severe wildfires broke out in eastern Germany, causing significant damage and necessitating the involvement of nearly 500 firefighters. The fires, which were complicated by their location on a former military training area, posed risks of ammunition detonations. A state police helicopter was deployed to help detect ember pockets, and residents received mobile alerts advising them to evacuate with essentials and use respiratory protection.
Germany's approach to managing large-scale disasters is multifaceted, combining firefighting, civil protection, law enforcement, and public communication. Agencies such as the fire department, police, the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), local and district officials all play crucial roles in disaster management.
The Potsdam Fire Department's exercise aimed to test their readiness in responding to such disasters effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public. The exercise simulated 34 casualties, some with life-threatening injuries, which were reported by the Ernst von Bergmann Clinic. The injured were transported to the Carl Thiem Medical University for treatment, mirroring the real-life response that would be required in a disaster situation.
These exercises serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the critical role of emergency services in protecting the public. As Germany continues to face challenges from natural hazards and security threats, these exercises will undoubtedly help in refining response strategies and ensuring a coordinated and efficient response when disaster strikes.
Firefighters during the Potsdam exercise received assistance from medical and nursing staff, demonstrating the integration of health-and-wellness services into disaster preparedness and response. The simulation involved 34 casualties with various medical-conditions, showcasing the pseudo-disaster scenario's applied approach to real-life disaster management.
