Reducing Risks by Improving Interoperability between Slovakia and Hungary for Better Preparedness

As part of the two-year project led by experts from the Budapest Firefighters Association, joint training and education sessions, the development of materials for distance learning and a mobile application, as well as the expansion of material equipment, have taken place. During the two-year project, four hybrid trailers were completed, five minibuses and one motorboat were purchased. The hybrid trailer has special equipment to protect against lightning floods, storm damage, natural environment fires, as well as providing first aid.
Preparation for the joint exercise began using created online e-learning materials. Personal training began with trainer training in the spring of 2022. Subsequently, trained key players in volunteer fire departments passed on the knowledge gained to other members of their organization during local training in various locations. Education was focused on acquiring knowledge in floods, firefighting in forests, managing intervention teams, providing first aid, and basic training methodologies.
Exchange of experiences and joint preparation was completed in May 2022 with a large-scale exercise involving more than a hundred participants. The tactical RISKHUB exercise was held in Hungary near Nagyigmánd, with the participation of volunteer firefighters from Slovakia and Hungary. The purpose of the exercise was to test and strengthen operational cooperation between teams under real conditions. The locations faced challenges related to climate change, such as vegetation fires caused by drought or disasters caused by extreme storms and flash floods.
The project was concluded with a focus on sustainability, where the evaluation of project results and planning for the next steps took place. The partnership is committed to maintaining and continuing the achieved results.