Pinkafeld: Locals to get their own Crisis Intervention and Prevention Team (CIPT)

Rescue workers from Pinkafeld are increasingly confronted with violent and aggressive people.

In order to be able to react in a more targeted manner in the future and to ensure the best possible safety for everyone involved, a Crisis Intervention and Prevention Team (CIPT) will be set up at the Pinkafeld fire brigade in February 2024. This was announced by Fire Chief Ing. Heinz Kovacs and Mayor Mag. Kurt Maczek in an interview with BVZ.

According to Chief Fire Brigade Inspector Ing. Heinz Kovacs, the decision to set up a CIPT was taken after careful consideration and in close cooperation with the state fire brigade command. The team will consist of six specially trained firefighters who will be equipped with the appropriate equipment and will be available around the clock.

The CIPTs have been operating in Burgenland since the beginning of 2023 and are now to be installed throughout the state.

The CIPTs are a special unit of the fire brigade that is specially trained to deal with crisis and emergency situations. The CIPT members are trained in de-escalation techniques, self-defense, and the use of force. They also have experience in dealing with people with mental illness and addiction.

The CIPTs are intended to relieve the regular rescue teams, who are increasingly being confronted with violent and aggressive people. The CIPTs will also be responsible for preventing crises and providing support to people in crisis situations.