Gymnasium launches first emergency preparedness track

Næstved Gymnasium and HF has launched an emergency preparedness study track in collaboration with the Danish Emergency Management Agency, DR reports. The programme combines science subjects with physical training and crisis management.

Instead of books and computers, students taking part in the launch on Wednesday used orange helmets and yellow safety boots. Practical exercises will become part of everyday life on the new track.

The programme includes biology at A level and chemistry and physical education at B level. These traditional upper-secondary subjects will be combined with practical exercises at the Zealand branch of the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

Student Vigga Fossing Frederiksen said the combination of science and practical work had attracted her to the programme.

“I have always been interested in biology, physics and chemistry, and I think it is great to be able to work with them in real life,” she said.

On Wednesday, the students visited the agency’s Zealand branch after the cooperation agreement was signed. They watched an exercise from the firefighter training programme.

For student Rasmus Grønborg Westh, the physical and practical exercises were the main attraction.

“I love being physically active and dream of becoming a police officer. This track points a little in that direction,” he said.

Karin Bak Aastrup, head of the Danish Emergency Management Agency’s Zealand branch, said the partnership was intended to strengthen its contact with young people.

“We have a very serious threat and security situation in Denmark, and we need young people to also experience that they are part of the emergency preparedness system,” she said.