Saving lives in Potsdam: How to act correctly in an emergency!

Saving lives in Potsdam: How to act correctly in an emergency!

On September 14, 2025, our look at Potsdam will once again draw attention to the important role of emergency calls in emergencies. It is essential that citizens know the right steps to take and receive help quickly and effectively. Maz Online reports on the latest developments on accidents, operations and other safety-related incidents in the region.

First of all, the correct emergency number is essential. In Germany, in the event of an emergency, you dial 112 to reach the fire department and rescue services. For less urgent matters, the police can be contacted on 110. Particular attention should also be paid to “recognizing the five W questions” that are helpful when making an emergency call. These include: Where did it happen?, What happened?, Who is calling?, How many people are affected?, and Waiting for questions!

Important precautions

In an emergency, it is important to remain calm and, if possible, provide first aid. The emergency numbers for Potsdam are easy to remember: 112 for all emergency services and 110 for the police. Under potsdam.de You can also find specific contact information for different parts of the city so that emergency call management works smoothly in the event of an emergency.

One aspect that is often overlooked concerns the reporting devices that are on the streets. On motorways, guide posts with arrow markings show the direction to the emergency call points, and there are corresponding signs on other roads. Unfortunately, such reporting devices are often intentionally damaged, which can limit the ability to act in critical situations. Therefore, every road user should ensure that the emergency call centers are working properly in order to save lives in an emergency, according to the German Red Cross on its website drk.de.

Tips for first responders

If you witness an accident, it is important to stay at the scene and gather information. This includes the exact address and number of people affected, as well as information about injuries. Only contact relatives if you feel safe to do so and always follow the instructions of emergency services. The operation is recorded in the control center, which then organizes the best emergency services via “beepers” and monitors.

In Potsdam, citizens can trust that the helpers will arrive quickly. The traffic lights on Breite Straße are switched to red to enable the emergency services to make rapid progress. Even in large emergency situations, it is crucial to show the way to the emergency scene so that the rescue can progress quickly.

In summary, a well-informed population about emergency numbers and proper emergency response is an important part of keeping our community safe. Everyone can contribute a little – through knowledge, care and the willingness to help.