Hamburg, 25.10.2024

On September 4th 2024, our hotel was transformed into an impressive backdrop for a large-scale exercise by the Altona Volunteer Fire Brigade and the ASB rescue service. Parts of our building were used to carry out an object exercise. A mass casualty incident was practised - from a minor scratch to unconsciousness, all scenarios were practised!

The initial situation was as follows: There was an accident with several casualties in the ventilation centre on the 3rd floor of the Empire Riverside Hotel.

The fire brigade team leader first obtained an overview at the fire brigade information centre and then sent the breathing apparatus team into the smoke-filled building. Equipped with breathing apparatus and a fire service map, the firefighters made their way through dense theatre fog, which made the exercise as realistic as possible.

An extinguishing water line was laid from the underground hydrant using a B-hose to simulate the source of the fire. As the team fought their way through the fog, they repeatedly came across injured people who had to be rescued and handed over directly to the emergency services. The ASB had set up a rescue tent in front of the hotel, where the first aid was administered to the ‘injured’.

A total of eight extras had to be rescued from the building under difficult conditions - a challenge that required speed, precision and a high level of concentration. The exercise was concluded once all those affected had been successfully rescued. The aim of this challenging building exercise was to optimise cooperation between the Altona Volunteer Fire Brigade and the ASB rescue service.

It should be emphasised that both the Altona Volunteer Fire Brigade and the ASB Rescue Service were staffed by volunteers. We are proud that the Empire Riverside Hotel served as the training ground for this important exercise. The exercise went smoothly and gave everyone involved the opportunity to perfect their procedures under realistic conditions.

We would like to thank the Altona Volunteer Fire Brigade and the ASB Rescue Service for their tireless efforts - not only on this day, but also for their daily work, which often remains in the background but is nevertheless indispensable.

We are already looking forward to future co-operations and hope that you enjoyed this little look behind the scenes.