[Further developments in disaster control: goal, strategy and tactic using the example of the 2021 flood disaster in the Ahr valley]

Abstract

Objectives: In July 2021, the Medical Task Force 47 was deployed to the flood disaster in western Germany as part of the cross-regional disaster relief system. With the aim of deriving possible improvements in disaster management, it was scientifically evaluated. The focus of this study was the strategy to build up and to maintain a responsive and efficient rescue system.

Materials and methods: After defining an evaluation process, an interdisciplinary panel of experts reviewed operational documents and relevant concepts of the Bavarian Red Cross. Based on these, strategies and tactics were developed to achieve predefined goals.

Results: The performance of the emergency units could be increased by modern vehicles and equipment (eBikes, drones, all-terrain vehicles). To improve the response capability, new rapid response groups could be required that can take over the function of an advance command and can process mission assignments in impassable terrain autonomously. These could be integrated and synchronized into regional and cross-regional disaster relief.

Conclusion: In future, it could be difficult for Germany's largely volunteer-organised disaster management to safely deploy the multitude of possible state-of-the-art resources in the highly complex environment of a disaster. Partial professionalization by full-time command and control staff could be one solution for this problem.

Keywords: Civil protection; Critical infrastructure; Flooding; Medical task force; Sudden flood.