As for all fire departments in Bavaria, in addition to the general rules: keeping your distance, washing your hands, ventilating and wearing a mask, strict hygiene measures also apply. These include, among other things, the general wearing of FFP2 masks during an operation, the use of as few personnel as possible to reduce contacts and, if necessary, special protective equipment such as disposable suits. In addition, firefighters should only take part in fire service if they do not show any typical signs of infection, such as coughing, sore throat, fever. In order to ensure operational readiness, training should of course also take place. However, the form of training depends on the infection situation and is reduced to a minimum. Despite all the restrictions, all operations in Velden have so far been mastered well, which is not least due to the motivation and sense of responsibility of each individual firefighter.
It is not only the active fire brigade that is affected by the pandemic; like all Velden clubs, the pandemic is also having an impact on the fire brigade association. The annual general meeting had to be postponed until further notice, and the club’s 25th anniversary, which was actually due to take place last year, could not be celebrated either. In addition, it is unclear whether traditional club events such as the coffee party or the card tournament will take place this year – like so many other things. The next few weeks and months will show whether and in what form such events can be possible again.
Despite all this, the fire service is also looking ahead and hoping that the situation will ease and normalize in the foreseeable future. Finally, in addition to the club’s activities, the topic of recruiting members will be taken up again. In this regard, reference should be made to the image campaign of the Bavarian fire services under the motto “Helping is key”, which focuses on the work of the fire service, which goes beyond the normal fire service craft of “rescuing, extinguishing, recovering, protecting”.
More information at: www.helfenisttrumpf.de
Hopefully, the fire brigade will soon be able to enrich the city and club life in the usual way and offer the citizens of Velden efficient help in the future as it has done so far – because helping is key.
Text: Dieter Meyer
Photo: Dieter Meyer
Caption: FFP2 mask and disposable gloves are currently part of the fire brigade’s standard equipment
Poster: Bavarian State Fire Brigade Association