Scientific studies

In addition to the technical work in the units and the participation in (inter)national research projects, the vfdb also participates in studies.

Study on "Future Technologies and Scenarios in Fire Protection and Disaster Management

In a study on the topic of "Future technologies and scenarios in fire and disaster protection", the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences and the Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb) want to investigate how the latest technologies can support the emergency services. They also want to find out how processes can be simplified and accelerated during operations. The basis for the analysis is an online survey aimed at those responsible for fire departments, rescue services and civil protection. Participation in the survey was possible until January 15, 2021. The data is currently being analyzed. The results will be presented at a vfdb event.

The study is led by Alexia Wunsch and Prof. Dr. Hendrik Rust from Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. In addition to Dirk Aschenbrenner, the initiators also include Karsten Göwecke from Department 6 of the vfdb and Thomas Zawadke, board member of the aid organization @fire.

Study on "Digital Transformation in Civilian Emergency Response"

According to the study, more than half of the survey participants have the impression that the topic of digital transformation is "never" to "rather rarely" discussed in their organization. Around 95 percent see the need to (tend to) drive forward digital transformation within their own organization. The use of social media channels is relatively widespread, although such networks are predominantly used for more everyday tasks of citizen communication and less for situational awareness and communication in larger operational situations.

Also widespread is the use of private devices and software for civil security purposes, as 62 percent of respondents indicated. More than 40 percent even use private hardware or software on a daily basis, predominantly because corresponding equipment is not available in their institution.

The online survey involved around 650 participants, primarily from fire departments, aid organizations and the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief. The study was sponsored by the SafeInno Foundation and commissioned by the vfdb and the Björn Steiger Foundation. It was conducted by the Safety Innovation Center.

All results and the complete study are available at www.blaulicht.digital.