Both vehicles were previously test vehicles used in development at Hitachi Automotive Systems in Schwaig – Oberding and are characterized by the latest safety technology and construction. The exercise showed that the older rescue scissors, which has not been in use for years, can no longer cut through the new extremely rigid passenger compartments. The significantly stronger rescue scissors currently in use and the modern spreader were easily up to the task.
During the training session, the 18-year-old junior firefighters were allowed to independently operate the rescue equipment under the supervision of experienced instructors. The 16 to 18-year-olds led and operated the rescue equipment but due to the heavy equipment weight, the young firefighters were supported by the instructors. The instructors present were District Fire Inspector Lorenz Huber and District Fire Master Andreas Milde, who made the contact with Hitachi Automotive Systems, Second Commandant Konrad Pointner, Second Commandant Stefan Kübelsbeck, Platoon Leader Claudia Pointner and Matthias Hiesgen (BF München and FFW Niederding).
"Cooperation with local institutions is important to us. With this initiative, we wanted to specifically support young people and to show how important this type of training is, "explains Tim Clark President from Hitachi Automotive Systems Europe.