In addition to the numerous general training and advanced training courses for members of the Innsbruck professional fire department, there are some special areas for particularly challenging operations.
A rescue exercise on the cable car.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
A height rescue in the canal.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
A firefighter during a rescue exercise on a gondola of the Patscherkofel cable car.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
A rescue from the elevator.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
Height rescue
If people have to be rescued from high or low positions, the height rescuers of the professional fire department Innsbruck come into action. This does not mean emergencies in the mountains, but for example medical emergencies of crane operators, suicide attempts, rescue and rescue of persons or animals from forced positions in heights and depths as well as rescue operations from silos or from gondolas.
At least two height rescuers are on duty at the Innsbruck Fire Department around the clock.
How does one become a height rescuer?
Every member of the fire department is trained to work safely in areas where there is a risk of falling. The height rescuers complete further additional training and continuously practice the special rescue from heights and depths. This allows them to keep a cool head even at dizzying heights.
What equipment is used?
In addition to the intensive special training, special equipment is also required for rescue operations at heights and depths. Every operation is different - which is precisely why the Innsbruck Professional Fire Department needs a wide variety of equipment to set up rappelling points, pulleys, ropeways, etc.
The Innsbruck professional fire department on a helicopter mission in the mountains.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
The Innsbruck professional fire department guides another helicopter.© Martin Tiefnig
The Innsbruck professional fire department on a fire mission with the helicopter.© Martin Tiefnig
Flight service
The Innsbruck Fire Department does not have its own helicopter, but helicopters are still used for firefighting missions. For example, in forest firefighting or water operations.
Forest fires are a special challenge in Innsbruck's mountainous terrain. Already in the 70s, the professional fire department of Innsbruck was a pioneer in fighting forest fires with helicopters. Today, it is impossible to imagine fighting forest fires without aerial support. Flight assistants organize the landing site, brief the response team, prepare load flights and are in contact with the helicopter via radio.
At least two flight assistants are on duty around the clock.
How does one become a flight helper?
Every group commander completes training as a flight helper and takes part in regular further training. Flight assistants are trained in the handling of aircraft.
What equipment is used?
For this special service, the Innsbruck professional fire department has various devices and a specially designed vehicle called "Fliege".
_verkleinert-100x56.jpg)
The diving service of the Innsbruck professional fire department, which is also on duty in winter.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
_verkleinert-100x56.jpg)
The diving service of the Innsbruck professional fire department during an exercise.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
Diving service of the Innsbruck professional fire department at a lake.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck, Andreas Birsak
_verkleinert-1600x900.webp)
_verkleinert-2560x1440.webp)
Diving service
Divers of the professional fire department Innsbruck have already been called to missions in crevasses, in dams and mountain lakes as well as in flowing waters.
At least two divers of the professional fire department Innsbruck are on duty around the clock.
How does one become a diver?
In addition to the mandatory training for all firefighters to become a lifeguard, divers complete three additional training levels with around fifty practice dives. In addition, they have to prove at least ten diving hours per year.
What equipment is used?
The professional fire department Innsbruck owns a water rescue vehicle and a diving rescue vehicle.
_verkleinert-100x56.jpg)
The radiation service of the Innsbruck fire department in action.© Berufsfeuerwehr Innsbruck
An exercise by the radiation service of the Innsbruck professional fire department© Daniel Fürhapter
A man from the Innsbruck professional fire department with a yellow sheet in his hand and the word Radioactive pictured.© LFV Wegscheider
_verkleinert-2560x1440.webp)
Radiation Service
There are two main reasons why Innsbruck needs radiation protection experts: First, there are companies and medical facilities in Innsbruck that work with radioactive materials and radiation sources. Secondly, radioactive materials are also transported through Innsbruck.
At least two radiation protection experts from the Innsbruck professional fire department are on duty around the clock.
How does one become a radiation protection expert?
During the training you will learn how to locate a radiation source, how to handle transported goods (which contain radioactive material) and how to decontaminate contaminated clothing or persons.
What equipment is used?
The professional fire department Innsbruck is equipped with numerous measuring devices for a contaminant mission with radioactive material.