ifa

New member of staff: Wolfgang Jehle

03. October 2011

With effect from today, Wolfgang Jehle strengthens the ifa team in the position of Project Manager.

From a very early age, Wolfgang Jehle has had the fire service in his blood and from 1982 to 2002 served in the volunteer fire brigade in Bad Säckingen (Germany). He has also completed a large number of basic and advanced training courses at the Fire Service School of the German Federal State of Baden-Württemberg in Bruchsal.

As a trained career fireman, at Ciba-Geigy (later to become Novartis Services), he headed up a 24-hour service group, also simultaneously successfully completing Swiss Fire Service instructor training I-III.

As a result of the takeover of Novartis Services AG by Johnson Controls, from 2002 he built up the company's Fire Protection and Safety Department as its manager. In 2006 he completed an MBA course at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and in 2008 took up the position of Strategic Programme and Project Manager as part of the company management.

His job will be the acquisition of more important and integral projects. The management is convinced that Wolfgang Jehle will carry out his assignment with bravura and wishes him a good start.

New member of staff: Federico Ferrario

01. September 2011

An experienced expert is being added to the team of full-time instructors. We are delighted to have had Mr. Federico Ferrario on board since 1 September 2011.

This engineer, who qualified at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, was born in 1979 and is married with a daughter. He remains joint proprietor of the EcoEng GmbH engineering consultancy in Porrentruy (canton of Jura), and would now like to apply himself more to his passion for the fire service again, so has joined us on a part-time basis (50%).

Federico Ferrario will now steadily incorporate his many years of valuable experience in a professional and firefighting environment into his classroom instruction activities.

Born in Ticino, he is an officer in the Porrentruy volunteer fire brigade and a Swiss fire service instructor. We would like to welcome him to the ifa team and wish him lots of success in his challenging new position.

New challenge

31. July 2011

Chantal Jacot, who has worked at the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa since 18 February 2008, will take up a new challenge on 1 August 2011.

We would like to thank Chantal Jacot for her superb commitment both within and on behalf of the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa, and wish her all the best, every success and fulfilment in her new post.

Swiss Youth Fire Brigade Championships 2011

27. June 2011

The 2011 Swiss Youth Fire Brigade Championships took place on Saturday, 25 June 2011 on the grounds of the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa under the patronage of the Swiss Fire Service Association ("SFV"). With ideal weather conditions, over 300 competed for the title of Swiss champion.

The Swiss championships were won by the Hirschthal 1 youth fire brigade from the town of Hirschthal. We congratulate them sincerely on winning this title and would also like to thank all those who took part, the sponsors and helpers.

Two new logistics vehicles

01. June 2011

The Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa has taken delivery of two new logistics vehicles for universal use. They are used to take training equipment and other resources, which are provided in modules, to the individual training locations in Balsthal and Lungern. Both vehicles are equipped with a lifting platform, so the modules can be loaded and unloaded easily.

These modules take the form of small trolleys which are equipped appropriately for the particular training exercise. A total of 13 of these modules is available at ifa, each equipped differently, for example with technical equipment, breathing apparatus, fire fighting kits, equipment for search and rescue operations or for communications. This means the instructor always has all the equipment he needs to hand.

Opportunity seized

30. April 2011

Rolf Bill, who has been working at the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa since 1 August 2008, took on a new challenge on 1 May 2011, when he joined the Office for Civil Defence, Sport and Military Affairs of the canton of Berne as Specialist Department Manager for Controlling and Inspection.

We thank Rolf Bill for his commitment to the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa and wish him all the best and every success in his new job.

New Head Education: Markus Vogt

01. April 2011

On 1 April 2011, Markus Vogt was appointed to the position of Head Education. Markus Vogt joined us in January 2009 as a full-time fire service instructor with the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa and over the past two years has worked intensively on intervention in underground transportation facilities (UTF). His great experience and in-depth knowledge of UTF, as well as his high level of identification with the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa meant that Markus Vogt was predestined to take on his new role.

The management is convinced that, in Markus Vogt, they have found a highly suitable personality for the position of Training Manager. They wish him a great start and every success in his new job.

Swiss Youth Fire Brigade Championships 2011 - register now!

04. March 2011

Under the patronage of the Union of Swiss Fire Departments, the Swiss Youth Fire Brigade Championships will be held on Saturday 25 June 2011 in the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa in Balsthal (SO).

As well as the competitions on the Saturday, an attractive supporting programme including evening entertainment will be provided. All participants have the option of staying overnight in the immediate vicinity free-of-charge, to then set off home on Sunday after a hearty breakfast.

Young people from the years 1993 - 1999 which belong to a youth fire service can take part in the competitions. Detailed information about the competitions and supporting programme, as well as the registration form can be found here

We are very much looking forward to being able to host the Swiss Youth Fire Brigade Championships this year and in so doing making a contribution towards encouraging the firefighters of tomorrow.

Special vehicles in Balsthal

25. February 2011

For once, no pump water tenders were travelling through the tunnel training facilities in Balsthal, but two tunnel cleaning machines belonging to the NSNW AG company from the Swiss town of Sissach. The ten staff of NSNW AG are usually to be found with these machines in the tunnels of the roads with high volumes of traffic in north west Switzerland. The periodic cleaning of all surfaces improves operating safety and readiness, because bright tunnel walls reduce the risk of accidents. From the end of March to the end of June, a total of 26 tunnels in the area of operations are cleaned, and mostly at night, with approximately four kilometres of "wall cleaning" being carried out in a single night.

Some training is necessary to be able to operate the giant cleaning machines safely. It is for this reason that each year ten men travel to Balsthal and practise handling their heavy equipment in the tunnel training facilities. The advantages are clear: expensive tunnel closures for training involving people and equipment can be avoided and traffic flow is not unnecessarily interrupted.

Two vehicles - two areas of operations: One of the vehicles in use has been specially designed for exclusively cleaning lamps in the tunnel. The other machine cleans the walls using rotating brushes. Although the training in Balsthal was carried out with water and no soap, it is still true to say: "A clean sweep all round".

New Head Finance: Markus Jungen

01. February 2011

Markus Jungen was appointed Head Finance on 1 February 2011. Markus Jungen joined the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa on 1 January 2008 as an accountant. As a qualified expert in the field of accountancy, Markus Jungen has managed the finances of both the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa and the International Fire Academy ifa. In addition, he is also responsible for IT.

The management would like to congratulate Markus Jungen on his appointment as well as on expanding his area of responsibility and wish him all the best and every success.

Extraordinary vocal coaching for instructors

20. January 2011

If you are to be understood, it is vital to speak loudly and clearly, and in this respect correct breathing is crucial. With a heavy twin pack unit on your back and breathing mask in place, this quickly becomes very challenging and arduous.

Experienced vocal coach Anja Oser from Heidelberg, Germany was brought in to be able to comply with these high demands. Not only did she teach the full-time instructors the theoretical basics of correct speaking whilst also protecting the voice, but also put on the breathing equipment herself, in order to put into practice what had been worked out together beforehand.

Anja Oser spent two days training the ifa instructors, with one of the days actually in the tunnel training facilities. And she demonstrated what you can do with your own voice when wearing heavy breathing equipment.

After a day wearing breathing equipment the vocal coach had to admit that it is surprising what instructors have to put up with on a daily basis under these conditions. For their part, the instructors were thrilled with this training which was far from their daily norm, and finally surprised what techniques and means can be adopted so you can use your own voice more effectively over a long period.

New members of staff: Marianne Wernli and Andreas Schneider

06. January 2011

The full-time team of instructors for training in underground transportation facilities has been augmented by two new qualified members of staff. We are delighted to have had Ms. Marianne Wernli (34) and Mr. Andreas Schneider (45) on board since 1 January 2011.

Both bring with them many years of fire service and training experience and we welcome them warmly to the ifa team. We wish them both every success in their new challenges.

BLS/AED training

26. November 2010

The motto for 2010 was "Safety has top priority". Based on the new, comprehensive safety concept, all processes and instruction manuals with a relevance for safety have been revised. Internal and external audits have shown that we are on the right track to guarantee all-round safe operations, both now and in the future.

The question of "safety" includes both safety in the workplace and health protection. Therefore, the management decided to prescribe accredited training for all staff in the field of BLS/AED (Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation) or as a first-aider. So, on 25 and 26 November 2010 all non-technical members of staff of the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa were trained by the Medi company, at the end of which they were presented with BLS/AED certificates. Technical staff will complete the first-aiders' course in January 2011.

The management would like to thank all members of staff for their commitment and hopes that the newly gained knowledge will have to be used as infrequently as possible.

New member of staff: Lorenz Kohler

26. November 2010

We are pleased to have been able to add another member to our technical workforce on 1 November 2010. Lorenz Kohler, 35 years young and Fire Chief of the Mümliswil fire brigade, will actively support our team.

We welcome Lorenz Kohler to our team and wish him every success in his work.

Departure: Roland Gfeller

31. October 2010

Roland Gfeller, a member of our UTF instructor team since 2009, has taken advantage of an opportunity that arose and from 1 November 2010 will be the new manager of the Büren training centre.

We thank Roland Gfeller for his commitment to the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa and wish him all the best and much success in his new duties.

Swiss HGV road traffic rescue course

29. October 2010

On 28 and 29 October 2010, a total of 78 people from all over Switzerland took part in two one-day HGV road traffic rescue courses held at the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa. The courses were run by the Union of Swiss Fire Departments.

Apart from an insight into the modern equipment used in HGVs, course participants had the opportunity to carry out rescues in practice. For this purpose, vehicle cabs were mounted on special trestles block to put them at the same height as in a real situation. This made the use of hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams more of a physical challenge.

Training was rounded off by detailed information on the cab and its equipment, such as the cab tipping arrangement and securing the cab.

Advanced study courses for officers of the canton of Basel-Landschaft

23. October 2010

Six one-day advanced study courses for officers of the canton of Basel-Landschaft took place from 18 to 23 October 2010 in the Intercantonal Fire Academy ifa, involving the training of 184 officers.

Apart from acquiring knowledge about the special requirements of deployment in silos, solar systems and pellet-fired heating systems, the course participants were give the task of assessing and dealing with a complex disaster situation, assessing and leading the team correctly, as well as formulating requests and tasks clearly.

Extra topics such as temperature checks, techniques for extinguishing flames at intervals and jetting techniques rounded off this interesting one-day course.

The flashover facility attracted particular interest in which the various phases of a fire and its physical circumstances as well as the effect of selective firefighting techniques could be experienced.

Recreation room and cafeteria

08. March 2010

From now on, all our course participants and instructors will be able to make use of our recreation room, equipped with TV, music and games; whether for a game of billiards, table football or darts with colleagues, at any time, for as long as you want and completely free of charge. Drop in whenever you have the time – in your break, at lunchtime or in the evening and have fun.

Thirsty? The new cafeteria and bar is open on selected days and evenings for a cool beer or a glass of wine. Come and join your friends for the evening and discuss the day’s events. Our staff look forward to serving you!

Modern double rooms

08. March 2010

Course participants and instructors can now stay overnight in our 22 modern rooms. Each double room has plenty of storage space, its own WC and shower and two workstations. Wireless LAN has been installed to give guests instant access to the Internet or emails via their notebook or Smartphone. The cost for an overnight stay including breakfast, Internet access and use of the recreation room is CHF 80.-- per person for the double room or CHF 120.-- for single occupancy.

Be our guest and enjoy the convenience of staying overnight at the ifa in Balsthal.

Traditional “End of construction” party!

08. March 2010

Around 140 craftsmen came to help us celebrate completing the construction work at the ifa. Ifa Director, Urs Kummer, used images and films to provide an informative look at the ifa, the tunnel project and the infrastructure expansion. He gave particular thanks to the craftsmen, without whose extraordinary efforts and work, the construction work could never have been completed successfully.

After a delicious three course meal, each craftsman was presented with two gifts. Around forty of the craftsmen made the most of the opportunity to inaugurate the cafeteria along with the ifa team. The last guests left the bar after midnight!

New refectory is up and running

08. March 2010

The new, attractively-designed refectory in the reception building (Building A) has been fully operational since 8th February 2010. With seating for up to 200, it also has a large free-flow area. A new self-service salad bar has been added to give guests an even wider choice of daily menu. Our modern refectory will not only be used to offer meals to course participants; it can also be used as a flexible event venue for many diverse purposes.

We hope all our visitors enjoy their meals and their stay and come back for seconds!

ISO certification renewed successfully

10. December 2009

The SQS – the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems carried out a one day renewal check of all the ifa processes for the ISO 9001:2008 quality norm certification. All quality management systems documents were revised completely and then made accessible to staff members using the ifaNET, our internal website. By eliminating paper copies, the documents can not only be guaranteed up to date, the administrative load is also significantly reduced. At the end of the check, the ifa and all the staff were congratulated on having successfully renewed the certification.

Welcoming a new member of staff: Josef Winistörfer

07. December 2009

To further strengthen our team, Josef Winistörfer joined the ifa on the 1st November as a technical all-rounder. Josef is 46 years old and a married father of one. He lives in Matzendorf and is a fire brigade officer, bringing 25 years’ experience with him to his new role. Josef is a trained electrician and an EMSR systems specialist. Thanks to his extensive professional experience, he is the ideal person to complement our team. We would like to welcome Josef Winistörfer to our team, wish him a smooth start and lots of success!

Open Days at Balsthal and Lungern

07. December 2009

On a beautiful autumn weekend on the 3rd and 4th of October 2009, the inter-cantonal fire brigade training centre – ifa, opened its doors in Balsthal and Lungern to welcome just under 18,000 enthusiastic visitors who all wanted to make the most of this unique opportunity to take a look behind the scenes.

Around 12,000 visitors came to the extensive grounds of the ifa in Balsthal to find out more about the various training possibilities. The new tunnel training facilities, the Swiss Railways (SBB) internal fire- fighting service fire and rescue trains, the various sized (model) fire brigade vehicles, the hydraulic platform rides that lifted visitors to a height of 35 metres, the road traffic accident rescue exercises and the model fire brigade vehicle show all drew large crowds.  Visitors appreciated the clear and informative signposting for the numerous tours and exhibitions. Our younger visitors thoroughly enjoyed trying on the protective clothing worn by fire fighters and putting out fires with an extinguishing bucket. And what better way to enjoy the mild autumn sun than by discussing the open day with other visitors over a traditional grilled “Bratwurst” sausage? The P&S (Protection and Support) Competence Centre (ziko) also joined the ifa in opening its doors in Balsthal and made a valuable contribution to the success of the weekend.  The weekend was also accompanied by various musical attractions including the P&S band, the city of Basel Caledonia Pipe Band and a jazz matinee.

The 6,000 or so interested visitors to the Lungern site wanted to see the new ifa tunnel training facility and the infrastructure of our partner in Lungern, Gasser Felstechnik AG. The main attraction proved to be the 130m fire tunnel that allows emergency services to practice mastering extreme operational scenarios under very realistic conditions. Also on offer for visitors was the chance to see the impressive range of rock engineering technology displayed by our partner Gasser Felstechnik AG.

Thanks to the generous support of our many helpers, the organising committee can look back with pride and contentment on two successful large scale events without any glitches or accidents.
Click here for images of the Open Days at Balsthal
Link to the Swiss Railways (SBB) internal fire-fighting service
Link to the Basel Model Fire Brigade
Link to the P&S Competence Centre (ziko)
Link to Gasser Felstechnik AG