Heidenau rescue service: staff strength defies negative image!

Heidenau rescue service: staff strength defies negative image!

On November 9th, 2025 it is a quiet autumn afternoon in Heidenau. The Johanniter emergency services have time to relax and wait for the next emergency. Richard Preuß, the area manager for the rescue service, is surprised by the rarity of this calm. While many emergency services in Germany are struggling with overload and negative reporting, the situation at the Heidenau location is encouraging. As part of a continuous service, Johanniter supplies the region between Dresden and Pirna around the clock, every day of the year, with a team of around 65 employees and trainees. Preuß describes the staffing level as optimal for the requirements of the deployment site.

The rush for training positions at the Johanniter in Heidenau is particularly encouraging. Despite the difficulties that trainees all over Germany have with the shift system and the high level of responsibility, training in Heidenau still seems to be attractive. This could be due to the stable employment situation and the positive working environment.

Challenges for emergency services

But not everything is all sunshine and roses. The “HELFER are TABU” association has been campaigning for the rights of emergency services, the police and the fire brigade for five years. The focus is on preventing attacks on these employees, who are often under pressure in everyday life. A current study initiated by the association provides insight into the reality of violence against emergency services.

The study, which evaluates data from more than 360,000 rescue missions in Rheinhessen between 2019 and 2022, shows frightening figures. During this period, 76 incidents were recorded, including insults and physical injuries. Compared to the results of the 2021 police crime statistics, which recorded 114 cases of violence against emergency workers, the numbers from the study are significantly lower. Nevertheless, Interior Minister Michael Ebling emphasizes the need to vigorously pursue attacks against emergency services.

Appreciation and prevention

The results of the study show that attacks on emergency services are not a widespread phenomenon, which certainly gives hope for the future. Dr. Stefan Cludius, the first chairman of the association, emphasizes how important these findings are for future prevention measures. Jörg Steinheimer, the second chairman, also confirms the important role of prevention training and the willingness of employees to continue their service despite all the challenges.

Considering the numerous challenges that rescue workers face, the positive situation in Heidenau is a ray of hope. The local Johanniter are not only well positioned, but also benefit from a stable increase in new trainees who are ready to enter this important profession. This development could serve as a model for other regions.

The Johanniter in Heidenau remains an example of a functioning rescue service that not only responds to the challenges, but also proactively promotes the next generation of emergency services. The profession of paramedic deserves more recognition and appreciation, as the study results clearly show - a fact that urgently needs to be anchored in society.

Sächsische.de and DRK-Rhein-Nahe.de provide further insights into the current challenges and developments in the field of emergency services.