On Saturday 19 March 2016, the Minister of the Interior, Dan Kersch, joined the Administration des services de secours at a symposium entitled “Colloque des cadres”, as part of the new changes implemented within the emergency services.
Over 290 individuals attended the event which allowed for the changes to be presented as well as for an exchange of views on current and future challenges to the reform of the emergency services to be held. It was also an opportunity for the stakeholders to voice their concerns to Minister Kersch regarding the changes.
One of the challenges of the reform is the improvement and modernisation in the training received by members of the emergency services. A new training programme has been proposed, which would take into account the development of a professional profile and a training manual. The training and constraints faced by volunteers is another part of this manual, given that they are confronted by the same emergency situations as their paid peers. The organisation of volunteer training will allow each participant to advance at their own pace and to the level of qualification they wish to achieve.
The reform of the Luxembourg’s rescue services aims to create a single hierarchical structure bringing together state actors and communal emergency services. It will make use of the radio communications network RENITA and the hierarchy itself will be attained by grades and badges, with these to be determined based on training and seniority.
All fire and rescue centres (CIS) will be categorised and will contribute according to their classification at a minimum proximity response for emergency operations. Guidelines for determining a development programme and basic technical equipment for the future CIS have been developed.
The Ministry of the Interior stated that volunteers are currently the heart of the emergency services and will remain an essential pillar of the future CGDIS. To facilitate their participation in operational activities in emergency units, a module for managing their availability will be offered. It would enable each firefighter to provide information in real time concerning their schedule (for availability), via an automated smartphone or Internet call. Thus, the Central Emergency Relief 112 may call on them if needed, according to their skills and availability, as well as anticipate that a fire and rescue centre may have a temporary workforce concern.
Photo of Minister Kersch by SSA
