Red Cross drills mass-casualty response in Tirol exercise

The Red Cross has staged a large-scale disaster exercise in the Hall and Wattens area of Innsbruck-Land district, ORF reported. The weekend drill involved 88 Red Cross workers and 350 emergency responders from the fire service, police, water rescue and mountain rescue teams.

The exercise simulated a landslide, traffic accidents, a chlorine gas leak and evacuations. Around 100 people took part as casualties, with cards showing the simulated victims’ conditions.

The drill was designed to help responders practise working together during major incidents, when many injured people need urgent and organised assistance. Teams also trained to coordinate operations, use equipment efficiently and maintain an overview of the situation.

Red Cross state emergency commander Martin Dablander said disaster-response training was more relevant than ever because of extreme weather, natural disasters and conflicts.

Sanitarians normally assist one patient in pairs, said Veronica Stonig. In a major accident, she added, many responders must work together to help a large number of injured people quickly and systematically.

Chief of staff Nina Dissertori said the exercise offered an opportunity to work more closely with other organisations. Knowing each other and understanding the strengths of partner organisations builds trust, she said.

Organising the exercise took almost a year, according to Red Cross district emergency commander Raphael Lamprecht. Local companies provided their premises and expertise, allowing them to review their own safety measures while emergency teams became familiar with the locations and their specific features.

Red Cross teams also erected several large tents at the exercise site and coordinated the operations from an emergency control centre.