For the first time, the National Civil Security Day was held in the north of the country, with Diekirch chosen as the host.
Alongside the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), various special units and partner organisations took part, providing visitors with a first-hand look at their work and expertise.
Luxembourg currently counts around 700 professional firefighters and some 3,900 active volunteer firefighters. On Sunday, their range of duties and the different types of interventions they carry out were showcased in a series of demonstrations.
National Civil Security Day is organised every two years by the CGDIS to give the public a behind-the-scenes look at the country’s emergency and rescue services.
The fourth edition saw not only CGDIS teams, but also a variety of partner organisations, coming together in Diekirch.
Throughout the day, various rescue scenarios were enacted along the banks of the Sauer river and on the site of the former sawmill.
These included a search and rescue operation led by the canine unit to locate a missing person, and a demonstration of how injured individuals are freed from vehicles after road accidents.
Collaboration between the different civil protection actors also took centre stage. One exercise demonstrated how a person can be airlifted from difficult terrain by helicopter, while a water-bombing plane from Aquarius performed a spectacular drop over the Sauer.
Specialist water rescue teams also took to the Sauer in Diekirch. The river’s currents and the local kayak course provide ideal conditions for training and exercises by rescue divers.
The next National Civil Security Day is scheduled to take place in two years’ time. The exact location has yet to be decided, but the Southern Rescue Zone is due to host the next edition.
