Furtwangen University takes part in international exercise "Magnitude" in Baden-Württemberg
Starting on 24 October, a major exercise that has never before been seen on this scale, will take place in Baden-Württemberg. A 36-hour simulation of an earthquake in which around 1000 emergency services from Germany and abroad will have to demonstrate their ability to work together. Magnitude” is the first major exercise to be carried out in Germany as part of the European Civil Protection Mechanism. In addition to emergency services from Baden-Württemberg, teams from Austria, Greece, Switzerland and France will also be involved. Furtwangen University (HFU) will contribute its expertise to the evaluation of the large-scale exercise to ensure that the knowledge gained can be used sustainably.
The aim of this exercise is to further strengthen European civil protection by testing international assistance in Baden-Württemberg and preparing the region for the deployment of external support. At the same time, the importance of voluntary work in emergency organisations and the need for highly qualified specialists to protect the population in an emergency and prepare them to deal with crisis situations is highlighted.
Furtwangen University − training disaster control experts since 2007
Furtwangen University has been training highly qualified civil protection specialists on the Security & Safety Engineering bachelor's programme and the Risk, Reliability and Safety Engineering master's programme since 2007. Graduates of these programmes are now working in leading positions in full-time civil protection throughout Baden-Württemberg and make an important contribution to the safety of the population through their daily work.
“During their studies, our students acquire the skills that are crucial in an emergency − they not only learn how to ward off dangers and take preventative measures, but also how to manage complex situations in civil protection. This includes sound knowledge of the basics of safety engineering, risk assessment, crisis management and management skills,” emphasises Prof. Marion Meinert, Dean of Studies of the Risk, Reliability and Safety Engineering programme and Professor of Safety and Security at Furtwangen University. “Exercises such as 'Magnitude' are invaluable for improving the coordination of international rescue teams and being realistically prepared for the challenges of a disaster of this kind,” says Meinert.
Cooperation across national borders
The Ministry of the Interior in Baden-Württemberg, the Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection, the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, Furtwangen University, the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich and the General Secretariat for Civil Protection in Greece were among those involved in the planning and preparation of the “Magnitude” exercise.
As the name of the exercise suggests, the scenario involves an earthquake of enormous proportions that pushes the local emergency services to their limits. In such a disaster, it is not only important to provide rapid assistance, but also for the international forces to work together smoothly. “A well-coordinated joint response means that national authorities have a central point of contact in an emergency, rather than having to coordinate with many different organisations. This means that expertise and resources can be pooled efficiently and those affected can be helped as quickly as possible,” explains Prof. Stephan Lambotte, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Safety and Society at Furtwangen University.
The “Magnitude” exercise is intended to demonstrate how crucial cross-border cooperation is in an emergency − and how important it is to have highly trained specialists available. Furtwangen University is demonstrating here that it plays an indispensable role in the training of these specialists.