THW founds the first virtual local association: Future of the emergency services!

THW founds the first virtual local association: Future of the emergency services!

On May 30, 2025, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) took a groundbreaking step in digital support: the founding of the 669th local association (OV), which was launched as the first purely virtual association. This new local association is based on the Virtual Operations Support Team (VOST), which has existed since 2016, and now has a firmly anchored organizational structure. In the future, the VOST will be supported by over 70 emergency services spread across the country who work completely digitally.

These forces are responsible for analyzing and visualizing situational information using state-of-the-art digital tools. The aim of the new virtual local association is to strengthen the THW's operational capability in the digital world, especially with regard to major events such as the upcoming EURO 2024. THW President Sabine Lackner emphasizes the importance of this development, as it significantly increases the future viability of the THW.

New requirements for members

The concept of the new OV not only includes a digital orientation, but also special internal specialist training for digital situation work, which replaces the classic basic training. Future members must have specific qualifications in key areas such as open source intelligence (OSINT), geospatial data analysis and IT security. This reflects the increasing importance of technology and data analysis in modern mission management.

The founding of the VOST local association took place as part of a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the THW. This anniversary is part of a comprehensive program that includes numerous decentralized events at local and state association level.

Practical examples of successful operations

The recent collaboration with the Bochum municipal utilities provides further proof of the professionalism and diverse application possibilities of the THW. At a half marathon, which attracts numerous running enthusiasts every year, the municipal utilities deployed 12 THW emergency services to ensure event safety. The safety of participants and spectators has the highest priority at such major events.

The THW emergency services worked closely with the organizational team to guarantee that the event ran smoothly. The tasks of the emergency services included securing the running route, closing sections of the road, regulating traffic and having first aid material available. A cooperation approach that proved to be extremely successful and underlines the efficiency of the THW in working with public institutions.