Office for Military, Fire and Civil Protection (AMFZ)

Within the Security Department of the Canton of Schwyz, the AMFZ is the service and expertise centre for protecting the population. Under one roof it runs the military administration, fire protection, civil defence including protective structures, and disaster relief. It thus covers and coordinates large parts of prevention as well as the management of extraordinary situations – from natural disasters and major technical incidents to security-policy crises.

For these reasons the cantonal command staff is attached to the office. On its behalf the office carries out hazard analyses, ensures alerting by siren and, together with its divisions and partner organisations such as the police, fire brigades and health services, provides effective crisis management. With clear structures, professional expertise and close cooperation, the AMFZ guarantees the canton's security, readiness and ability to act – in everyday life as in extraordinary situations.

Military – «For today, tomorrow and the future»

The Military Division brings together the tasks surrounding the fulfilment of military obligations, the administration of those liable for service, and organisational and material support for those serving. Three central units form the administrative and logistical framework: the equipment centre, the district command and the administration of the military service exemption tax.

The equipment centre (formerly the arsenal) is the point of contact for the personal equipment of those liable for service. It supplies members of the armed forces and civil defence with the necessary clothing and equipment and handles its issue, return, care and repair during their period of service.

The district command is the contact point for all matters of military service. It accompanies those liable for service from their entry into military service to their discharge from the obligation. On behalf of the Confederation it also levies the military service exemption tax (WPE) – a payment governed by federal law from Schwyz citizens who perform neither military service, civilian service nor civil defence.

Fire – «Protection through advice, training and inspection»

Fire protection brings together preventive and defensive fire safety and forms a central pillar of protection against fire hazards. Preventive fire safety regulates and monitors the structural, technical and organisational measures that minimise the risk of fire and limit its consequences. Fire-safety aspects must be taken into account as early as the planning stage and a fire-safety concept drawn up – for example fire compartments to limit the spread of fire, the design of escape and rescue routes, or technical fire-protection measures.

The fire brigade inspectorate is the specialist body for the fire service in the canton and acts as a hinge between the cantonal authority, the municipalities and the fire brigades. It accompanies, supervises and develops the fire service professionally, so that the brigades are up to date not only for classic firefighting but also for complex operations such as technical assistance, natural events or incidents involving hazardous substances.

Civil defence – «Strong together – safety for all»

Civil defence training is practice-oriented and function-specific: in basic training, those liable for protective service are prepared for their function in modules. The individual functions are clearly defined:

• Command support: supports the command in processing the situation (gathering, evaluating and disseminating information) and operates the telematics equipment.
• Carer: helps with the evacuation and care of endangered, vulnerable people and those in need of help, and takes on simple nursing tasks.
• Pioneer: operates the equipment of the pioneer platoon and, where infrastructure is destroyed, works to limit damage, bridge gaps and make repairs.
• Equipment manager: responsible for maintenance, minor repairs and the provision of materials and equipment.
• Infrastructure manager: keeps the technical installations in the protective facilities and public shelters functional and ready for use.
• Cook: prepares and serves meals for a large number of people.

After completing basic training, all members of civil defence regularly attend refresher and specialist courses. In an operation, civil defence works closely with the partner organisations of civil protection.

Further information: sz.ch – Office for Military, Fire and Civil Protection.