News

Together with the Johanniter-Akademie NRW and the Rescue Dome Münster, we have launched a new hands-on training format for aspiring paramedics. Around 50 trainees took part in the first joint event at the CTS site in Münster. The program combined expert lectures on accident scenarios, modern vehicle technology, and tactical emergency medicine with a live crash test and a realistic rescue exercise.

A particular highlight was the practical emergency simulation: together with Rescue Dome personnel, participants carried out a rescue operation under near-real conditions – including casualty actors and an authentic accident scenario.

The day was rounded off with insights into the CTS dummy laboratory, where highly realistic training dummies are developed and analyzed. The Rescue Dome also provided a впечатление of modern emergency training with special conditions such as darkness, fog, and simulated background noise.

Last week, Peter Schimmelpfennig visited Intertraffic in Amsterdam, exploring the latest developments in traffic and safety technology. He visited 58 booths, connecting with long-standing partners, loyal customers, and exciting new contacts. Topics ranged from guardrails and TMAs to lighting poles, guidance and warning beacons, anti-terror bollards, and high-security gates.

The many innovative projects discussed prove that the economic outlook is far from as gloomy as it is often perceived. Together with our partners, we are continuing our work with full momentum, right where we started at the beginning of the year.

Another key takeaway for new partners: companies planning to launch products in Europe often prefer our testing facility in Germany, as authorities consult the CTS-VSB list of successfully tested systems when approving products for their markets.

A big thank you to everyone for the inspiring conversations and great exchange!

Paul Swan (Swan Rescue) and Peter Schimmelpfennig (CTS) have established a strategic cooperation to advance modern technical rescue training. The objective is to combine real-world crash engineering expertise with high-level, operationally focused rescue training delivered to international standards.

Under the joint umbrella of the new Rescue Dome, a unique training platform is being created that integrates real crash tests with complex emergency response scenarios. The 40,000 m² crash test facility allows for highly realistic and fully customizable training environments.

Key training features include:

• Real crash tests forming the basis of tactical and technical rescue scenarios
• A collapsed building structure for urban search and rescue simulations
• Multi-vehicle pile-up scenarios in motorway construction zones conducted in darkness and simulated rain
• Individually designed stations covering nearly all rescue situations
• The integration of the advanced Biofidel Dummy for realistic injury simulation and performance optimization

All training programs are led by Paul Swan and combine cutting-edge methodology with maximum operational relevance. State-of-the-art rescue equipment from leading manufacturers is used throughout, including:

• LUKAS Hydraulik
• Vetter
• Makita
• Paratech

With this cooperation, CTS and Swan Rescue are setting new benchmarks in realistic training, operational readiness, and innovation in modern fire and rescue services.

We are expanding our existing biofidel dummy concept for military purposes by integrating transparent soft-tissue materials. The material used is based on the mechanical strength and biofidel properties of our proven dummy design. 

Thanks to the transparency of the soft tissue, fragment penetration, bullet paths, and fragment trajectories in military injury scenarios can be directly observed visually. This enables immediate analysis of penetration depth, trajectory, and interaction with surrounding structures without the need for additional imaging techniques.

The solution is intended exclusively for military research, development, and testing and allows for improved evaluation of protection systems, weapon effects, and injury mechanisms under realistic conditions.

The trade fair provided us with a concise overview of the latest developments in access protection, innovative event formats, and technological innovations in the industry.

The presentations on the Safety & Security Stage were particularly valuable, offering practical insights into the application of tested crash barriers according to DIN ISO 22343-1 and DIN SPEC 91414-1.

The corresponding standard crash tests can be planned and conducted with us.
Feel free to contact us:

Standard Crash-Tests

Last week, at IAV’s crash test facility in Großmehring, the first crash test with a breakable biofidelic dummy was successfully conducted. This high-speed crash test focuses specifically on potential injuries to the driver. 

After the test, the dummy was transported back to CTS and is being thoroughly examined in the specially equipped autopsy lab for possible fractures and crush injuries. 

We sincerely thank Dr. Burkhard Scholz, Erik Pechthold, and Henrik Liers (VUFO) for the constructive collaboration. 

CTS once again confirms, without any deviations, its competence as a testing laboratory for the testing of road restraint systems, support structures for road equipment, access barriers, and safety devices at roadworks.

In addition, the flexible accreditation has been converted to the new category designation. CTS is now flexibly accredited according to the new Categories A and B.

Due to the flexible accreditation in Category B, we are able — within the testing scopes specified above and without the need for prior notification to or approval from DAkkS — to freely select standardized test methods or test methods considered equivalent (with the exception of EN 1317).

Realistic Training for Firefighters, THW, and Armed Forces

We are excited to introduce the new Rescue Dome at crashtest-service (CTS) – a state-of-the-art training facility designed for firefighters, THW, and the armed forces. The Rescue Dome allows highly realistic rescue and recovery scenarios to be practiced under safe, controlled conditions.
From complex vehicle accidents and building collapses to water rescues and technical assistance operations, the Rescue Dome provides teams with practical, hands-on experience in challenging environments.

A key highlight: Our training partner Paul van der Zwaan and his Team, an internationally recognized instructor and specialist in technical rescue (Lukas Rescue Team) , collaborates with our team to ensure the highest level of professional training.

The Rescue Dome offers:
Realistic scenarios with actual vehicles and damage simulations
Cutting-edge technical rescue equipment
Workshops and training programs for units of any size
Expert guidance and customized training concepts

Interested organizations can book training sessions now:
event@crashtest-service.com or +49 2506 70 99 070.