There are a number of scenarios that require complex operations underground. These include, for example, terrorist attacks in subways, train accidents in tunnels, and collapses on construction sites or other underground workplaces. Such events result in a large number of injuries within a short period of time, such as mass poisoning, burns, protective injuries, and splinter injuries, but also the consequences of mass panic. This poses challenges to primary care and requires triage decisions, assignments to supply chains, and the rapid organization of medical care. Different danger zones, some of which are only accessible to specially trained emergency services, also pose a problem. The psychosocial stresses associated with such events are also specific. These concern emergency services and affected persons as well as their relatives, especially with regard to their information needs, which are often difficult to meet in acute events.

For adequate medical care in the event of underground events, specific national, as well as international emergency capacities, are required, which are to be recorded and evaluated within the framework of NIKE-MED. A capacity map or database should make the results usable over the long term. Based on this, optimized processes for medical and psychosocial care in the event of disasters underground are to be developed. This applies to first aid, which has to take place close to the location of the event and therefore often underground, to specialist medical care in the hospital and the care of relatives. Finally, an application for emergency services is intended to improve the organization and implementation of operations in the event of disasters and days and thus better and faster medical care for those affected. NIKE-MED is involved in a wide range of other (NIKE) projects that are intended to jointly improve the management of disasters underground. A central feature here is the implementation of practical exercises and simulations, which are made possible by the center on the mountain of the Montan University Loeben and the simulation hospital at the SIM CAMPUS.

Project partners:

• BMLV, Theresianische Militärakademie, Institut für Offiziersweiterbildung
• Ingenieurbüro Laabmayr & Partner ZT GesmbH
• Mindconsole
• SIM CAMPUS
• Universität Innsbruck
• Wiener Linien
• Österreichischer Bundesfeuerwehrverband
• Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz

Project website >