Exercise in Siegsdorf: Emergency services test radioactive danger scenarios

Exercise in Siegsdorf: Emergency services test radioactive danger scenarios

How do you prepare for a possible emergency? The members of the “Measuring Platoon South” actively addressed this question in a recent exercise in Siegsdorf. On June 27, 2025, a scenario simulated a fire in an industrial area that released pollutants. The aim was to detect the presence of these substances and determine their spread. The measuring train is equipped with modern devices that are specifically used to detect radioactive dangers. Measurement platoon leader Maximilian Schubert clearly explained that radioactive emitters are not only transported in clinics and doctors' offices, but also regularly on our roads, always accompanied by strict protective measures.

The exercise lasted two hours in total; all set goals were achieved. Part of the exercise was the rapid assessment of the spread of pollutants, which was intended to serve as a basis for advice for the operations management. After the district unit arrived, a measuring line was set up and two teams carried out measurements at defined points. At the end of the exercise, the technical operational readiness of the measuring train on the “respiratory/radiation protection” equipment car was ensured, while the rest of the fire brigade operation was ignored in order to focus on the measurements.

The role of radioactivity

Radioactivity is a topic that is not only interesting in theory, but also affects each and every one of us. In various places around the world – including here in Germany – natural and artificial radionuclides are omnipresent. Calculations by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection show that everyone is naturally exposed to ionizing radiation. All the food we consume naturally contains radioactive substances, which is often not anchored in the public's consciousness. These radiation sources can vary, particularly in untouched regions, resulting in regionally different radiation exposures.

Technically speaking, industrial and mining residues are one of the challenges we face. Over centuries, increased natural radiation levels have often been accumulated without taking radiation protection aspects into account. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection continually works to control measurements of radioactive substances in our environment, both to ensure public safety and to act in preparation for possible emergencies. In this context, the education and training of emergency services plays an essential role, as the “Measuring Platoon South” exercise clearly demonstrated.

Emergency preparedness and disaster protection

But what happens if an incident actually occurs? In Germany, emergency preparedness includes both internal and external measures. Emergency protection outside the facility is primarily concerned with protecting the population outside of nuclear facilities. This includes measures such as preventing the absorption of radioactive substances via closed rooms or evacuation in the event of increased radiation exposure. For such cases, iodine tablets are also available for certain population groups in central storage rooms to protect the thyroid from accumulation of radioactive iodine.

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection and the disaster control authorities work closely together to be able to act quickly and effectively in emergencies. An effective information system ensures that relevant data is evaluated in real time in order to make forecasts about possible radiological consequences and inform the population accordingly.

In view of the “Messzug Süd” campaign, it once again shows how important it is to be prepared for all eventualities. With a good hand in training our emergency services, we can ensure the safety of the population and respond calmly to challenges. The central aim of these measures is to prepare yourself as best as possible in an emergency and to take the necessary steps quickly and carefully.