The mobile respiratory protection training course enhances the THW’s operational readiness
To mark the end of its 75th anniversary year, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) has received significant support. In collaboration with the THW Foundation, Siemens Caring Hands e.V. has handed over the first Mobile Respiratory Protection Training Course (MOBAS) to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief. This new mobile facility will allow the THW to provide local, flexible training for its volunteer emergency responders in future.
Local training will be available for around 150 local chapters
Until now, many THW volunteers had to travel long distances for the mandatory annual stress exercise, or use fire department training facilities instead.
The THW is addressing this issue with its new mobile respiratory protection training course.
The mobile unit will initially be deployed in the northern German model region, where it will enable around 150 local chapters to deliver effective, locally accessible training. Insights gained from the pilot programme will then be incorporated into a nationwide rollout.
‘We are grateful for this important support in expanding respiratory protection training capacity for our volunteer emergency responders,’ says Dierk Hansen, THW Vice President. ‘Working with respiratory protection is a fundamental skill — for hazardous materials operations, firefighting support and civil defence alike.’
State-of-the-art technology for realistic training
The mobile training facility is housed in a semi-trailer. Based on concepts developed by various professional fire departments, it has been further refined to meet the requirements of the THW.
There is a control room for training monitoring.
Fitness area with a stationary bike, a treadmill, an endless ladder and a striking apparatus.
28-metre orientation course spanning two levels.
Includes obstacle elements, fog machines, lighting effects and a sound system.
Climate control to create realistic temperature conditions.
Thermal imaging cameras for training analysis and safety.
With this equipment, emergency responders can complete realistic physical and orientation exercises under safe, controlled conditions.
An important signal for civil defence and volunteering
“Disaster relief requires specialised knowledge and specific skills. These must be practised regularly,” said Stephan Frucht, a member of the Siemens Caring Hands e.V. board, at the handover ceremony in Hamburg. ‘With this mobile respiratory protection training course, we are making an important contribution to maintaining the THW’s high standards and strengthening its operational readiness.’
The THW Foundation also emphasises the importance of the new infrastructure: ‘The mobile respiratory protection training course is an innovative and resource-efficient component for the THW of the future,’ said Albrecht Broemme, Chairman of the THW Foundation. ‘It significantly reduces the burden on our volunteers and streamlines work and testing procedures.’
Working Together for Civil Protection
The joint donation from Siemens Caring Hands and the THW Foundation is a strong show of support for volunteerism and the strengthening of civil protection. This new mobile training facility will enable the THW to train more emergency responders quickly and flexibly, with a practical focus.
Siemens Caring Hands is proud to be making a lasting contribution to society’s safety and resilience through this commitment.
Would you like to support other initiatives like this one? Donate to Siemens Caring Hands e.V. here, using the keyword for your desired destination country.