Twenty-two new radio specialists have been certified in bronze and silver levels across Außerferner Feuerwehren, enhancing communication capabilities for emergency response in the region. The certifications, awarded following specialized training and assessments, underscore a growing emphasis on robust communication infrastructure within Austrian firefighting services.
The Feuerwehr St. Oswald b. Plankenwarth, a key training center for these specialists, emphasizes that functional communication is “grundlegend und unerlässlich” – fundamental and indispensable – for the coordinated efforts of emergency personnel. The training encompasses the use of the digital radio system BOS (Behörden und Organisationen mit Sicherheitsfunktion), alongside analog radio frequencies in the 70cm, 2m, and 4m bands, utilized for specific purposes including atemschutz (breathing apparatus) operations, Katastrophenschutz (disaster protection), and alarm systems. SMS services, via Blaulichtsms.at, and additional communication platforms are also integrated into the training curriculum.
The certifications follow a recent demonstration of inter-departmental cooperation following severe flooding and mudslides in St. Anton am Arlberg. In August 2024, 76 firefighters from 22 fire departments within the Reutte district responded to the disaster, deploying 13 vehicles to assist with extensive cleanup operations. The Außerferner firefighters focused on pumping out flooded cellars and underground parking garages, utilizing tank trucks, power generators, and specialized pumps. The coordinated response highlighted the importance of clear communication channels during complex emergency situations.
The role of the Funkdienst – the radio service – within the Feuerwehr St. Oswald b. Plankenwarth extends beyond operational support. Specialists are responsible for organizing and conducting training exercises, maintaining radio equipment, advising the fire command on communication strategies, and coordinating siren tests. Matthias Huber, HLM dF (a fire service designation), serves as the designated Funkbeauftragter (radio officer), with a designated deputy. The department also participates in regional and national training initiatives and collaborates with section and area radio officers.
The Außerferner Feuerwehren’s commitment to enhanced communication capabilities is part of a broader trend within Austrian emergency services, as evidenced by ongoing discussions regarding the modernization of the BOS system and the integration of new technologies. The Facebook page for MeinBezirk Deutschlandsberg highlighted the critical role of “präzise Kommunikation” – precise communication – in ensuring successful emergency operations.
The Bezirk Reutte’s Katastrophenhilfsdienst-Zug (KHD-Zug) was dispatched to St. Anton on August 20th, 2024, arriving at the scene at approximately 07:00 despite challenging road conditions. The unit’s primary task was to clear a heavily silt-filled underground parking garage. The BFV Reutte documented the deployment with photographic evidence.
