Emergency personnel in Germany provide a vital service. They’re the people on standby at all times of the day and night, ready to relieve suffering and save lives. Yet even the swiftest emergency workers need time to get to the scene.
And nobody knows better than they do that often every second counts.
To make sure the right emergency services can be called to the scene, it’s vital to give the right information when making an emergency call. Callers can give dispatch centres the most relevant information by answering the following questions:
1. Where did the incident occur? (Location, street or landmarks)
2. What has happened? (Describe the emergency)
3. How many people are affected/injured? (Type of injuries. If children are involved, give their age)
4. What type of injury?
5. Wait for questions!
Saving lives – a task for everyone.
Learning from paramedics: CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital procedure used by paramedics to revive people suffering a heart attack. But every member of the public should also be familiar with and able to use this first-aid procedure. After all, 40% of reanimations nowadays are done by lay people.
And to do the right thing in an emergency, you need to remain calm. First, call an emergency doctor on 112. Then administer first aid by performing CPR.
You can find details of how to perform CPR here.
Paramedic
&
Stories
Manuel, 39, Paramedic
Interview with Manuel on helping in an emergency.
As a paramedic, my life revolves around your life.
The only thing that’s the same every day is checking the vehicle.
Manuel knows what he’s talking about. Even after more than 20 years in the job, every emergency rescue is different.
But one thing is always the same.
Every emergency call sets in motion many algorithms, procedures and practices, including during the pandemic. That’s why Manuel and his co-workers discuss each individual call again afterwards and examine whether things could be organised differently or better next time.
Sometimes even helpers need help.
Not a job for the faint-hearted.
You are dealing with people at critical moments in their lives. You see what’s going on behind the scenes.
Although paramedics and other emergency workers develop a certain routine over the years, many emergencies leave their marks.
Often, that has nothing to do with the seriousness of the injuries, says Manuel, but with the individual circumstances. Manuel knows that everyone has their own way of dealing with it.
After long days at work, he clears his head by going climbing. And of course, professional help is also on hand to support him and his colleagues.
