The security situation has changed significantly in recent years - in Germany and worldwide. Climate change, migration, extremism and violence are increasingly challenging the security authorities. Emergency services such as the fire service have to act in very dynamic operational situations and often under great time pressure.

In particular, the significantly greater digitalisation and networking of systems harbours unprecedented risks. At the same time, the technical possibilities for supporting command and emergency services in dealing with these increasingly complex, multifaceted tasks are increasing.

Completely new requirements

However, the use of AI-supported systems, robots and augmented reality (AR) as well as autonomous systems places completely new demands on those involved. The IT-Fw project is therefore focussing on three main topics. Firstly, the general analysis of innovative technologies and their use in training and practice, particularly in the fire service. In addition, the specific requirements for training and strategic work for senior civil servants in the higher fire service are being researched.

The "FIRE Feedback Survey Panel" is used for this purpose, with which emergency services can be surveyed on specific topics, and ongoing studies in the intersection of psychology and civil security are also carried out there. "Together with the NRW Fire Service Institute, we can gain completely new insights for science and practice - and thus contribute to safety in our country. In this cooperation, it is particularly true that the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts," says a delighted Prof Thielsch.

Joint research experience

The collaboration is based on ten years of joint research experience. Before moving to Wuppertal, Meinald Thielsch (formerly of the University of Münster) and the IdF NRW had already co-operated successfully on several projects. The results to date reflect the close links between science and practice: together, the two partners investigated leadership, teamwork and health in the fire service and effectively developed these topics further.

Those responsible emphasise that this cooperation shows how fruitful collaboration between science and the fire service can be: At the centre is an effective symbiosis of both practical and psychological issues and scientifically sound findings - for the benefit of the fire service and the safety of the public. In addition to publications in renowned scientific journals, practical articles are regularly published in specialist journals - for example on topics such as the motivation of volunteers or the necessary skills of managers.

"Which AI systems, virtual reality applications, robots and other technical support are suitable - also thinking strategically into the future - for meaningful support of the fire service in its diverse field of activity?" asks Berthold Penkert, Director of IdF NRW. At present, the fire service is often still very much characterised by manual work. "That's a good thing and will largely remain so, but perhaps the latest technology can help in some areas of training and operations, and we definitely need to consider the 'human factor'."