Command and Control (C2) staff work is a critical element of the response phase within the resilience cycle, particularly in the management of emergency and disaster situations. C2 staff is responsible for analyzing dynamic and often incomplete information, coordinating available resources, and making case-specific decisions aimed at stabilizing the situation and initiating the recovery phase. In time-critical and highly complex scenarios, effective response is only possible when C2 systems function reliably and are operated by sufficiently trained and experienced personnel.

Recognizing this need, the Institute for Rescue Engineering (IRG) has integrated a practice-oriented C2 staff training module into its Rescue Engineering study program. This module is designed to prepare students for real-world emergency management tasks by exposing them to realistic scenarios that reflect operational challenges faced by professional command staff. The training emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, structured decision-making, communication under stress, and the application of theoretical knowledge in simulated crisis environments.

Students were surveyed over several years using questionnaires about this special type of training in the field of emergency management. The evaluation of this educational approach indicates that students perceive the C2 staff training as highly relevant to their future professional roles. Participants particularly value the realistic simulation environment and the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in practice-driven scenarios. The participants share that simulation-based C2 education enhances situational awareness, decision-making competence, and operational readiness. Consequently, integrating realistic staff work simulations into emergency management curricula can contribute substantially to strengthening resilience and improving emergency response capabilities.

Authors:
Ompe Aimé Mudimu, TH Köln (Technische Hochschule Köln), Germany
Lennart Landsberg, TH Köln (Technische Hochschule Köln), Germany

About the Presenter(s)
Lennart Landsberg is a research associate at the Institute for Rescue Engineering and Civil Protection. He earned his PhD evaluating command and control in emergency response and contributes to teaching and developing the Rescue Engineering program.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennart-landsberg-011687b9/

Additional website of interest
https://www.th-koeln.de/personen/lennart_walter.landsberg/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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