In May, the Magirus Fire Fighter Academy went to Klagenfurt, Austria, to hold a course in turntable ladder tactics for the fire department. The Academy trainers worked with twelve participants from the fire department in the Carinthian capital. Last year, the professional fire department had put its new Magirus M32L-AS articulated turntable ladder on a Mercedes-Benz chassis into service. Since then, the FD has used the turntable ladder in several operations and personnel have gained their first experiences with the new technology. During the three-day course, the machine operators learned about the entire spectrum of the articulated turntable ladder's tactical capabilities, both in theory and in practice.
Practicing on the historic town hall
In the run-up to the course, the trainers developed various use-cases based on local circumstances, such as the highest building in town or at the Wörthersee. Various points had to be reached under difficult conditions or technical assistance provided in underfloor areas. In these cases, the material learned in the theoretical part of the course was directly used and applied.
"Before the course, we didn't take full advantage of the equipment because we weren't aware of how versatile it is," says FD Inspector Martin Zmug. We now have the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with even the most difficult situations. He thus sees the course as a great benefit for everyday use: "Even our most experienced machine operators were very, very satisfied. We are really enthusiastic!" The mayor, Dr. Maria-Luise Mathiaschitz, as well as various county commissioners and representatives of the ORF Broadcasting Company, were also convinced by the functionality of the new turntable ladder during a visit. Together with Fire Director Ing. Strieder Gottfried, they went 30 meters up the side of the historic town hall.
Further courses planned in Austria
This is the first time in its 10-year history that the Magirus Fire Fighter Academy has trained a professional Austrian fire department. "We often train international participants, but so far, we have never held a course on location in Austria," says Andreas Wilhelm, Head of the Magirus Fire Fighter Academy. But because Magirus fire engines are regularly transferred to Austrian fire departments, the interest in special on-site courses is correspondingly great. In the future, Magirus intends to meet this need even better. The next Academy course will be held in November for the Murau City Fire Department in the Austrian state of Styria.
Win a course at #VillachOnFire
This week, the Magirus Fire Fighter Academy team is taking part in the 16th International Fire Department Competition held by the CTIF in Villach, Austria. Interested fire departments can find out about the Academy's current courses at the Magirus stand in the Villach city centre from 10-15 July 2017. In addition, all visitors can participate in the Magirus competition. The winner will receive an exclusive Fire Fighter Academy course for five people. Entry forms are available at all Magirus information stands in Villach – at Nikolaiplatz, in the Lind stadium and in the Congress Center.
