Safety check in the clinic: Successful evacuation exercise in Hoyerswerda!

Safety check in the clinic: Successful evacuation exercise in Hoyerswerda!

A healthy level of preparation is essential, especially when it comes to safety in an emergency. On November 4, 2025, a joint fire brigade and evacuation exercise took place at the Lausitzer Seenland Klinikum in Hoyerswerda. This measure was launched to specifically test the processes involved in a fire and to improve the interaction between hospital staff and emergency services.

The exercise simulated smoke development on the sixth floor, which presented an exciting and educational challenge for everyone involved. When the 14 patients on the dermatology ward were evacuated, it was clear that the ward staff reacted quickly and effectively. 13 of them were able to leave their rooms independently. The station was able to be completely cleared within just eight minutes.

Realistic scenarios and quick response

The fire alarm system represented the official alarm, which motivated the dedicated hospital staff and the fire department to intervene first. The fire brigade was on site after just five minutes and used the turntable ladder in the courtyard to reach the affected floor with heavy equipment. A smoke curtain was installed to control the spread of smoke and to locate and eliminate a simulated fire source.

This exercise started with a precise briefing for everyone involved on the goals and procedures of the day. In addition to the fictitious fire, other realistic emergency scenarios, such as an industrial accident or a natural disaster, were also an integral part of the event, in which, among other things, the fire department, paramedics and technical support services were integrated, which formed the framework for effective coordination and cooperation, as safety-days.de explains.

Identify and utilize potential for improvement

Now it gets particularly exciting: In the subsequent debriefing of the exercise, both positive processes and possible potential for improvement were discussed. This reflection is an essential part of every fire drill. According to wirtschaftswissen.de, it offers the opportunity to analyze reactions and identify weaknesses. Such exercises are not only required by law, but also an indispensable part of the safety culture in facilities such as clinics.

“These exercises are of crucial importance for safety and the interaction between our clinic staff and the emergency services,” emphasized Juliane Kirfe, managing director of the Lausitzer Seenland Klinikum. “They not only strengthen operational readiness, but also teamwork and improve our crisis management.”

The Lausitzer Seenland Klinikum not only focuses on dealing with emergencies efficiently, but also on imparting knowledge and raising awareness of fire protection measures. A real win for everyone involved!