“MAYDAY ARENA” – What is it?
It is a self-built breathing apparatus training course. Over a length of up to 60 meters and three levels, various obstacles await that have led to serious respiratory protection emergencies worldwide in the past.
Origin
Members of the TFA Team visited various fire departments abroad. We had the opportunity to see and try out training facilities in St. Petersburg (Russia), Chicago (USA), and Riga (Latvia). In addition, we took part in competitions on the subject of respiratory protection emergencies in Brussels (Belgium) and Ense (Germany). The experiences gained there provided the impetus in 2023/24 to develop a new mobile training course together with the Hamburg Fire Academy.
In around 1500 volunteer hours, members of the TFA Team built the training facility, which can be moved on Euro pallets. There was no fixed construction plan. The obstacles were modeled on real emergencies and integrated into the wooden tunnels in “miniature format.”
Background and Structure
The participants are meant to become familiar with their own body’s mobility as well as their body dimensions with and without breathing apparatus. They are challenged both mentally and physically. Communication, teamwork, and calm action are essential to successfully overcome the obstacles.
Obstacles that are particularly noteworthy:
- Collapsing ceiling beams that participants have to squeeze under (ceiling collapse).
- Hanging ropes and cables (respiratory emergency Cologne, firefighter Stampe entangled in fire service rope).
- Various narrow passages.
- Floor collapse (can be triggered by the instructor).
- Following one’s own C-hose line.
The instructor is located in the open interior area of the “Arena” and can observe the participants through viewing slots. In addition, safety hatches are installed at regular intervals, allowing the instructor to provide assistance if necessary. These hatches also make it possible to exit the course or change its layout. Furthermore, the 20 wooden boxes can be moved with pallet jacks, so the course can be flexibly adapted at any time.
Completion and Handover
The training facility was completed in February 2025 and was officially handed over to the Fire Academy in May 2025 during the respiratory protection emergency competition. It will be used in the future for basic and advanced training.
