Rescue in the event of a disaster: large-scale exercise by the Medical Task Force in Kassel

Rescue in the event of a disaster: large-scale exercise by the Medical Task Force in Kassel

Hesse is ready for an emergency: On September 21, 2025, a comprehensive exercise by the Medical Task Force (MTF), which specializes in dealing with major emergencies, took place in the Kassel district. The pivotal point of this exercise was a simulated earthquake of magnitude 6.5 in the greater Cologne area, which claimed several thousand victims. The challenge therefore extends not only to local help, but also requires supra-regional support, as was provided in response to a request for help from the North Rhine-Westphalia state government, reports landkreiskassel.de.

At around 8:45 a.m. the alarm was raised for volunteers from the medical organizations, the Technical Relief Agency (THW) and the fire department from the city and district of Kassel. Around 30 vehicles from MTF 34 gathered in a meeting room in Calden to prepare for the mission to Lippoldsberg. A training area was inaugurated in the clinic and rehabilitation center, where a partially destroyed school was simulated.

On-site deployment and medical care

During the exercise, MTF 34 coordinated rescue efforts. The rescue teams were able to save around 50 injured people from the cruel circumstances of the simulated earthquake. The ASB emergency services school provided initial medical care. The injured were then taken in ambulances to the central treatment center at the Lippoldsberg fire station, where treatment tents were set up for up to 50 injured people of various degrees of severity.

• Rettungszenario: schweres Erdbeben im Großraum Köln
• Alarmierung: 8:45 Uhr
• Anzahl der geretteten Verletzten: ca. 50
• Behandlungsplatz mit 7 Zelten für verschiedene Schweregrade

The exercise was not only appreciated for its high quality of exercise, but also attracted a professional audience from across the country. These included, among others, managers from other Hessian MTF locations as well as representatives from DRK, ASB and THW. The presence of a delegation from the Detmold district government and colleagues from the Potsdam professional fire department also gave an impression of great interest.

The role of the Medical Task Force

The MTF itself is a medical emergency department staffed by doctors that plays a crucial role in disaster control. It not only specializes in providing support during disasters, but also takes action in cases of tension and defense. With a clear concept that has been further developed since June 2007, the MTF ensures that effective help is available in the event of a mass casualty incident, explains bbk.bund.de.

Each MTF includes up to 26 vehicles with a focus on prehospital care and medical support in dynamic areas. The federal government plans to set up additional units to support the states' disaster protection and has defined new care levels in which the MTF should be used. All 61 MTFs in Germany should be fully equipped by April 2025, report wikipedia.org.

Overall, this exercise shows how important the willingness and commitment of volunteers is in order to act competently and help quickly in times of crisis. A high level of preparation is the key to being able to react optimally to possible emergencies.