First first responder unit in Amt Brück: This is how they save lives!

First first responder unit in Amt Brück: This is how they save lives!

Something exciting is happening in the rural community of Borkwalde, which is part of the Brück district. Sebastian Gerhard and David Schiemann, the deputy local fire chiefs of the volunteer fire department, took the initiative to organize the first First responder unit to build. This group of first responders, which combines fire department membership with specialized training, will be the first to respond to medical emergencies in the event of an emergency and support the emergency services. The idea originated with Sebastian Gerhard, who works as an emergency paramedic in the Bundeswehr.

So what exactly is a first responder? These fire department members use their knowledge and skills to provide assistance until emergency services arrive. In Germany, the goal is to adhere to the legal aid deadline of 15 minutes in order to provide care to seriously injured people as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, emergency services often take long journeys to rural areas, which makes the situation more difficult. For this reason, the newly founded unit in Borkwalde will be a valuable addition to the existing rescue organizations, as demonstrated by the Ruckersdorf Fire Department, which has already successfully implemented similar initiatives.

Challenges and support

The establishment of the first responder group is financed by the support of donations. The equipment required, including a defibrillator and medical supplies, costs approximately 4,500 euros. Thanks to the great generosity of the community, 3,000 euros in donations have already been collected. The goal is to quickly complete the procurement of resources and to continuously train the members.

Mayor Egbert Eska has already commented positively on this initiative and sees the great benefit of the first responder unit. “It is simply important that action can be taken quickly in such emergencies,” he emphasizes. At first glance it may seem that the first responders are competing with the emergency services, but exactly the opposite is the case: they clarify the time until the emergency services arrive and thus significantly increase the probability of survival in acute illnesses, as is also reported by the [Statistical Offices](https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressreleases/ Zahl-der-Woche/2023/PD23_06_p002.html).

Training and equipment

Special training is required for members, which includes, for example, 80 hours of basic qualification. This includes practical training and assessment of vital functions. The emergency equipment includes, among other things, emergency backpacks, oxygen cylinders and automatic defibrillators that can be operated by laypeople.

The initiative in Borkwalde is not only a sign of voluntary commitment in the region, but also shows how important such first aid services are. The first responders take on a key role within the rescue chain. Your quick reaction can be crucial, especially in situations like a heart attack, where every minute counts. The experience from other communities such as Rückersdorf makes it clear that such units are urgently needed in rural areas.

Anyone who would like to support the initiative can donate via “gofundme.com” or directly to the Borkwalde Volunteer Fire Department. The contact address is: vorstand@ff-borkwalde.de. It remains to be hoped that training and the necessary equipment can begin quickly so that the first responder unit can be put into active service soon.