SFSA

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The SFSA in Balsthal offers three courses: the respiratory protection module 3 (operation), a mobile ventilation course and a course on vehicles with alternative drive.

The Swiss Fire Service Association (SFSA) represents the interests of firefighters, be they professionals or voluntary. It currently uses the infrastructure in Balsthal for three of its courses: the respiratory protection module 3 (operation), the course vehicles with an alternative drive (extrication) and the mobile ventilation course (special course).

The respiratory protection course took place for the first time in Balsthal in 2019 and is aimed at firefighters with profound experience in the field of respiratory protection. Almost all buildings and firehouses were used for a versatile, varied demanding range of drills. This is an example of the SFSA's claim to train practical and operational.

TRAINING SFSA

FSCS

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The training courses in the training tunnels are based on the operation procedure which the FSCS has approved as a binding training basis.

The Fire Service Coordination Switzerland (FSCS) represents all 26 cantons and the Principality of Liechtenstein and is the contact point for all national fire service issues. The purpose is to coordinate and address issues of common interest to the fire service as a public task of the cantons.

The FSCS is an important partner of the International Fire Academy concerning the (further) development of new operation procedures. For example, the operation procedures for the road tunnels and railway tunnels developed at the International Fire Academy were submitted to the FSCS for review and was then approved by the FSCS as a binding training basis for the Swiss fire services.

TRAINING FSCS

Quotes

« Training always has the goal for us, that the fire service can provide efficient and safe operations. Therefore, training centres such as the Intercantonal Fire Service Training Center in Balsthal are so important, where firefighters can realistically prepare for deployment. »

Urs Bächtold
2019, Director SFSA

« Regardless of whether they are professional or militia firefighters, they are expected to act professionally in all situations at all times. This action must be able to be trained realistically and efficiently, which is excellently possible at the International Fire Academy with its unique training tunnel facilities and competent instructor team. »

Petra Prévôt
2022, Secretary General TCS

Infrastructure and services used by organisers

The diverse training infrastructure and the services associated with it are mainly booked by cantonal authorities and national fire service organisations and used for conducting their courses. In addition, various organisations book our outdoor area, the training facilities and the modern training rooms for their own training and practices, including

  •  fire services
  •  partners of the Civil Defense (police, medical, civil protection and military)
  •  private companies

Every course on our training facilities is, of course, looked after by our technicians.