###### Abstract  
To successfully deal with emergent events or crises, it is necessary to have a fully planned integrated rescue system (IRS). The stages of the IRS are tested by exercises that aim to model rescue and clean-up operations as closely as possible. This article compares different software tools to support the creation and implementation of exercises of different stages of the IRS. The article aims to compare suitable software tools and evaluate their application in the individual phases of creating tactical exercises in the IRS and application to the implementation and evaluation phase. Methods of explanation, comparison, and modeling are used to achieve the goals. It was found that the investigated software programmes are all suitable for use in the organization of exercises. The results are shown in a comparison table and examples of individual model situations. The article presents possible implementation scenarios of software tools for creating and organizing exercises of stages of the IRS, which can make the preparation of both tactical and screening exercises more efficient. comparison; exercises; integrated rescue system; software; support +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
12212  
* Non-profit organizations and citizen associations that can be used for rescue and liquidation work. All these groups are involved in rescue and clean-up operations. [PERSON], [PERSON] et al. [4] state in their book that there \"is no country, community, or person immune to emergencies and disasters. However, with proper preparation, their effects can be mitigated\". Another of the selected authors who deal with population protection is [PERSON] et al. [5]. For agility and readiness, it is necessary to undertake regular exercises. The IRS Act defines in SS17 two types of exercises, namely tactical and verification exercises. Tactical exercises of IRS units are exercises where the units are briefed in advance and examine the procedures and the management of the intervention. These exercises are always announced in advance and can be found in the publicly available materials of the fire brigade. Verification exercises examine the ability to react and document the IRS. The difference from tactical exercises is that these exercises are not briefed in advance. This research deals with tactical exercises and a comparison of programme tools that can be applied for their preparation and implementation. Exercises can be performed at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels and always consist of three phases:  
* Preparatory;
* Implementation;
* Evaluation. In order to not only save people, animals, property, and the environment but also to communicate and cooperate with the rescue and clean-up operation, it is necessary to plan and organize these exercises. Modern technologies or software equipment can also help to streamline processes and be able to deal with unforeseen events, meaning these exercises can be better planned [1; 6]. As an example, we can mention the article by [PERSON], dealing with modern trends in fire protection [7]. Current outputs in this area can be found in articles by [PERSON] et al. [8] and [PERSON] et al. [9]. These articles bring exciting insights into crisis management support using modern technology. In these sources, the authors deal with issues close to our research. This article deals with the applicability of only one specific software and event. In contrast, this article compares several software programmes for planning and implementing exercises of components of an IRS within the crisis management framework. According to available publications, an increase in the use of virtual reality technology can be observed in the exercises of the IRS. However, they mostly focus on either individual exercises or for only one component, such as the fire brigade or an emergency.