Emergency Drill in Jena-Maua
During an unannounced emergency drill, the volunteer fire departments of Jena-Göschwitz, Jena-Lobeda, and Jena-Leutra, together with the German Red Cross medical unit, practiced responding to a simulated fire at a truck repair shop. The drill focused on rescuing people while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, treating multiple injured individuals, and coordinating efforts between the fire department and emergency medical services.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Jena-Göschwitz Volunteer Fire Department conducted an emergency drill for its South Fire Company on the grounds of ABZ-Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH in Jena-Maua. The units that were alerted were not informed in advance of the time or scenario and had to manage the simulated situation under conditions as close to reality as possible.
The goal of the exercise was to assess the operational readiness, tactical procedures, and training level of the participating personnel. Particular emphasis was placed on orientation and rescuing people in unfamiliar and smoke-filled areas of buildings, as well as on safe procedures while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fire in a Truck Repair Shop as the Exercise Scenario
The scenario involved a fire in a truck repair shop with several injured and missing persons. During the exercise, the emergency responders had to rescue one person injured in the fire and provide medical care to another person in the vicinity of the incident site. Three other people in the exercise scenario showed signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
In addition, a respiratory protection emergency was simulated inside the building. The response teams were then required to initiate the prescribed rescue procedures and remove the affected team member from the danger zone.
The fire department and emergency medical services also jointly set up a triage area. In this central area, the rescued individuals were gathered, given initial medical care, and prepared for further transport.
39 emergency responders involved
Twenty-eight emergency responders from the Jena-Göschwitz, Jena-Lobeda, and Jena-Leutra volunteer fire departments participated in the exercise. Two tanker fire trucks, an incident command vehicle, a firefighting crew vehicle, a turntable ladder, and a portable pump vehicle were deployed.
The German Red Cross medical unit, with eleven personnel, provided emergency medical services for the exercise scenario. An emergency physician response vehicle and three ambulances were made available for this purpose. A total of five patients required medical attention.
Nine minutes after the alarm was sounded, the first firefighters arrived at the scene. The first person rescued was handed over to emergency medical services after about 30 minutes. The drill concluded after approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Focus on Cooperation and Communication
In addition to rescuing people while wearing breathing apparatus, the drill focused in particular on the correct tactical approach in smoke-filled areas of a building, the laying and routing of hose lines, and cooperation among the participating fire departments. Other key areas of focus included treating multiple injured individuals at a shared triage area and communication between the various levels of command, as well as at the interface between the fire department and emergency medical services.
The insights gained will be jointly evaluated afterward. They will serve to further consolidate proven procedures and identify potential areas for improvement for future operations.
The City of Jena thanks ABZ-Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH for providing the training facility and for its support in conducting the exercise.
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© Stadt Jena