Rescue services practise mass rescue at Bocholter Hünting

On 10 April 2025, fire service exercises took place at the Fildekenschule and at Bocholter Hünting. As part of their training to become a medical rescue group leader, 18 participants tested two scenarios of an extensive mass rescue.

A total of 70 people took part in the organisation and execution of the all-day exercise. These included police officers, practical instructors in training and actors who simulated injured patients. In addition to the trainees from Bocholt, trainees from Düsseldorf, Bottrop, Ahaus and the district of Warendorf also took part in the trial operation.

"We naturally attach great importance to the practical part of the training", emphasises Jan Neukäter, Head of School at the Bocholt Fire and Rescue Service Academy (FRB). Previously, emergency scenarios had already been practised with simulation games in the classroom - now an operation has been elaborately staged "in order to really get an impression of what it is like on site", says Neukäter.

The focus of this year's exercise was on the simultaneous care of many injured people. The exercise not only involved applying medical knowledge, but also practising how to deal with stressful exceptional situations: "What is it really like when several patients need care at the same time? When they are screaming or injured?", says Jan Neukäter.

The exercise is then analysed together with the observers and practical instructors. The tactical and medical decisions are evaluated and categorised in individual discussions and group feedback. FRB school director Jan Neukäter is positive: "The exercise went according to plan. Our participants have worked through it calmly, have registered all patients and provided individualised care", he says.