Empowering the Youth: Mastering Emergency Scenarios at Saarbrücken School
Resilience and Civil Defense Studies Introduced as Fresh Topic at Saarbrücken University - Enhancing Safety and Durability: A Novel Academic Focus at Saarbrücker School
Ever wondered how to handle a fire? Or what to do in a full-blown disaster? Students at the cool community school in Saarland's heart - Saarbrücken will soon be tackling these questions head-on in a unique new subject. Say hello to more responsibility, practical skills, and an edge in tomorrow's world.
It's all about staying in shape and survival tactics
The rad Bruchwiese community school is shaking things up with a fresh subject called "Disaster Preparedness and Resilience" for the upcoming term. We're talking health, emergency response, and community engagement honed to perfection.
This subject is part of a larger revamp of the Saarland community school guidelines. It's about integrating the key sustainability goals of the UN into our regular school days. At Bruchwiese, we're zeroing in on two core ambitions: "Health and Thriving" and "Being a Helping Hand."
The school is getting ready for action
"We've always had a rock-solid school health service, and the demand for courses such as first aid, fire safety, teaming up with relief agencies, and more is sky-high," says principal Pia Götten. "With the new subject, we're creating a systematic framework to turn these skills into everyday reality." The school is also listening to the political vibe: Former Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser (SPD), stressed in April the need for schools to focus more on civil defense.
What's the plan in a crisis?
The new subject runs for four lessons a week. We're blending theory and practice with practical modules that build on basic subjects like social sciences. Contents like "Crisis Management," psychological preparedness, and confronting fear are covered in depth.
Young people will learn how crises not only bring physical risks but also emotional hurdles, like panic. By learning to react decisively in crisis moments, students develop resilience, benefiting themselves and their families, according to the school.
Fire extinguisher mastery awaits
Our partners include the Saarbrücken Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the Johanniter, and the German Red Cross. "With this partnership, we open up completely new learning environments and give students a glimpse into the professional world of emergency responders," says teacher Stefanie Lade, who's worked on developing the subject. Students' learning will be measured both in writing and in practice – from acing the fire extinguisher test to participating in disaster drills.
- Disaster Preparedness
- Saarland
- Saarbrücken
- Crisis Management
- Fire Extinguisher
- Emergency Response
- UN
Fire Extinguisher 101
Nailing the Basics:
- Locate the Extinguisher: Extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible spots, and you should know where they are[1][4].
- Practice is Perfect: Familiarize yourself with the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep[1][4].
- Secure the Handle: Pull the pin to release the handle.
- Aim to Hit the Target: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames[4].
- Start Spraying: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep for Success: Move the nozzle from side to side to cover the flame's base.
Remember to stay at least 6–8 feet (about 2 meters) away from the fire to prevent any rebound flames[4]. Also, match the type of extinguisher to the fire (water, foam, CO₂, or dry chemical)[4]. Regular inspection and maintenance are important, too[1].
Mastering Disaster Response
Stay Calm and Carry On:
- Evacuate Safely: Know the evacuation routes and assembly points for your school and local area.
- Follow the Leader: Follow the instructions of school staff and emergency responders. Stay cool and move calmly.
- Phone a Friend (or Official): Call or text someone if you can, but don't let it stop you from evacuating quickly.
- Seek Shelter (if necessary): If evacuating isn't safe (e.g., a chemical spill, air contamination), find shelter and stay inside with windows and doors closed.
- Lend a Helping Hand: Assist those who might need help during evacuation, like younger students or those with special needs.
- Don't Use Extinguishers on Major Fires: Extinguishers are for small fires – bigger ones need professional help[3][4].
Ready, Set, Prepare: Saarbrücken Community School Style
- Training: Take part in regular fire drills and disaster preparedness training as required by local regulations in Saarland, Germany.
- Learn the Law: Fire safety training and disaster preparedness instruction might be mandatory in certain situations, such as schools[2].
- Join the Community: Know the contact info of local emergency services and first-responders.
- The new subject "Disaster Preparedness and Resilience" in Saarbrücken Community School will integrate lessons on crisis management, psychological preparedness, and practical emergency response skills, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of handling both physical and emotional challenges in emergency scenarios.
- As part of the school's commitment to adopting the UN's sustainability goals, the subject aims to foster two key ambitions: "Health and Thriving" and "Being a Helping Hand," contributing to the overall development of the students and their readiness for tomorrow's world.
- In addition to learning essential survival tactics, students will be exposed to real-world professiona emergency responders through partnerships with the Saarbrücken Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the Johanniter, and the German Red Cross, providing unique learning opportunities and insight into various careers in the field of health and safety.
