Danish and German Emergency Services Benefit from New Direct Radio Connection

Previously, differences in communication systems have meant that emergency units have not been able to talk to each other during their progress or coordination - which in some cases has led to unnecessary delays.

A new communication gateway now makes it possible for Danish and German emergency services in the border region to talk directly to each other via their TETRA radio - both during emergency calls and coordinated efforts. The connection removes a crucial barrier to effective cooperation across the border.

The emergency services in the border region have had close operational cooperation for many years. This applies to both the fire department, ambulance service and police, who assist each other daily across the border. A current example is the fire in Rens, located on the border of Germany and Denmark, on April 14, where four German fire departments participated in extinguishing agricultural buildings and a fertilizer warehouse.

Previously, differences in communication systems have meant that emergency units have not been able to talk to each other during their progress or coordination - which in some cases has led to unnecessary delays. With the new gateway, emergency centers and response leaders can now establish direct radio contact across the border. Dedicated talk groups have been set up for fire, health and police, ensuring both sector-specific and joint communication depending on the nature of the incident.

- The new solution is a concrete step towards a more coherent and effective emergency response in the border region, explains the project's radio engineer Henrik Fredskild from CFB.

The gateway has been established as part of the EU project INTERREG 6A DanGer112, a 112 programme deals with heavy downpours, dike breaches, floods, droughts, forest and natural fires or pandemics which is led by Fire and Rescue Services Sønderjylland in close cooperation with partners on both sides of the border. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has contributed to the German part of the solution by facilitating the establishment and providing a suitable location for the installation. CFB has contributed with both technical design and establishment.

Image of gateway setup
Photo: Center for Emergency Communication