Suche
Mein Konto
Potsdam is preparing for a disaster: exercise on July 5th!
On July 5, 2025, Potsdam is practicing for disasters: mass casualties, rescue workers are training procedures in the stadium.
Potsdam is preparing for a disaster: exercise on July 5th!
A large exercise scenario is scheduled for July 5th in Potsdam. In order to prepare for a possible disaster, Babelsberg's Karl Liebknecht Stadium will be the backdrop for an important emergency exercise. The aim of this event is to test the processes and interaction of rescue workers in the event of a mass casualty incident Meeting point Potsdam reported.
The deputy for order, security, social affairs and health, Brigitte Meier, emphasizes the essential importance of preparing for such emergencies. “We have to be prepared for what can happen at any time,” she says. As part of the exercise scenario, a partial collapse of a grandstand roof will be simulated, affecting around 150 people, of which 71 will be injured.
Authentic practice for emergencies
To create realistic conditions, the injured people are portrayed by volunteers who responded to a public call. The rescue measures are carried out by the Potsdam fire brigades and disaster control units from several regions. The Ernst von Bergmann and Alexianer St. Josefs hospitals are also involved in the exercise to rehearse the processes. Dr. Karin Hochbaum, Medical Director of the Ernst von Bergmann Clinic, emphasizes the importance of this exercise for emergency care.
Such comprehensive exercises are crucial in sharpening the skills of the emergency services under stress and ultimately being prepared for an emergency. The need for regular exercises is also supported by Dr. Antje Pfaffe, chief physician of the central emergency room at the Alexianer St. Josefs Hospital, emphasized. She notes that, fortunately, a mass casualty incident like the one simulated in this exercise does not occur often, so every opportunity for training is important.
Traffic restrictions and public information
On practice day there will be restrictions on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, near the stadium, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The road will be completely closed in the area of the stadium, and there will also be restrictions on the avenue to Glienicke. Bus route 616 will be rerouted. MoWas information is provided to inform the population about the processes and restrictions. Ralf Krawinkel asks citizens not to hinder the emergency services and to respect the cordoned off area.
In view of events such as the attack on Berlin's Breitscheidplatz or the train accident in Bad Aibling, the need for such exercises for aid organizations, fire departments and the police is becoming increasingly clear. A mass casualty incident (MANV) can be triggered by various causes, including major accidents, natural disasters and attacks, explains the standard DIN 13050:2021-10 Forum Publisher explained.
In the case of a MTV that is called out when there are more than 50 injured people, precise coordination is of central importance for the fire department. Among other things, it is responsible for securing the site and providing suitable resources for patient care.
Regular training and practical exercises are essential so that emergency services are prepared in an emergency and processes run smoothly. How Fraunhofer IAO reports, such exercises are used to develop and evaluate action concepts in order to be able to respond better to emergency scenarios.