Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this article is to answer the question how to improve the skills of rescuers in the scope of extinguishing fires in buildings. The authors present examples of best practical solutions in this area.

Introduction: This paper gives some overview of both technical and organizational requirements of DIN 14097 on designing and equipping a facility for firefighting training of rescuers. The article describes an example of such a facility for firefighting training facility at Land School of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. The Building for firefighting training consists of three parts, which together form a detached building, with residential and commercial parts. There are stairs, plumbing, places for dispatcher and handling in the central zone of this building ,. The two outer parts that are used for training are formed in accordance with their functions. There is a shop on the ground floor and an office on the first floor in the west part of the building. On the ground floor, of the east part are located a garage and a workshop, while there are apartments on the first and second floor.

Methodology: The analysis of literature and normative documents in the scope of design and usage of firefighting training facilities and the examination of available practical solutions on the basis of exemplary building used for rescuers training at Land School of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany.

Conclusions: Trainings conducted in properly designed and equipped buildings for firefighting practice are safe and trouble-free. Realistic fire scenarios, difficulties arising from high temperatures and activities with the practical application of extinguishing agents enhance professional skills of all training participants. Some explanations made so far with a great effort in the theoretical way now can be shown in the practical way enabling the participants of the training to feel the real danger. Thanks to acquiring own experience, the participants of the training not only receive knowledge, but also it acquire and permanenty change the way of their behaviour during real-life firefighting and rescue operations.

Keywords: training of firefighters, training facilities, rescue system