Flemish Brabant West Rescue Team Conducts Training on the Dender in Pamel

Pamel, Belgium – The high-altitude rescue team from Flemish Brabant West recently carried out their first major training exercise on the Dender River in Pamel. Under the leadership of Wouter Jeanfils, the 25-member team—ultimately aiming to grow to 40—specializes in rope-based rescues in challenging and hard-to-access environments.

This elite rescue unit, part of the local fire department, plays a crucial role in emergency response situations where traditional access is limited or impossible. According to Jeanfils, the team is specially equipped with ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear designed for complex rescues from difficult locations, such as high-rise buildings or flood zones.

How is Pamel’s high-altitude rescue team preparing for emergencies?

To stay prepared, the team conducts monthly training drills. Their most recent exercise, held on the Dender River, simulated a real-life emergency scenario requiring them to use advanced rigging systems, including ropes and pulleys, to evacuate individuals from precarious settings.

Officials highlighted that this hands-on training not only sharpens their technical abilities but also enhances coordination and the ability to remain composed under pressure. This large-scale session marked a significant milestone as the team’s first major exercise.

Each mission typically comprises five team members: a team leader, identifiable by a white helmet, and four firefighters trained in specialized rescue operations. Currently, 25 firefighters from various stations make up the team, but the department aims to expand to 40 to bolster their capacity and responsiveness.

In a recent drill, the team staged a mock flood-response operation, drawing lessons from the devastating floods in Verviers in 2021. The scenario simulated rescuing people stranded on rooftops, surrounded by rapidly rising water. With boat access rendered impossible due to the swift currents, the team relied on rope systems and other specialized tools to complete the rescue safely.