First Aid Newsletter

The German emergency medical service is in a systemic crisis: response times are increasing (average 15 min instead of 7 min), shortage of emergency paramedics is worsening, and federal states are acting uncoordinatedly. An emergency reform law is being discussed controversially, with nationwide uniform standards lacking for dispatch centers, initial assessment, and resource allocation (ambulance/patient transport vehicle separation). Violence against emergency personnel is increasing; body cameras are being piloted in emergency departments.

Within the framework of the medical exercise MEDIC QUADRIGA 2026, Johanniter, Malteser, and the Central Medical Service of the Bundeswehr signed a memorandum of understanding for privileged partnership. This formalizes cooperation in emergency scenarios and disaster operations. The partnership emphasizes networking of civilian aid organizations with military medical services and signals preparation for mass casualty scenarios.

Requirements for first aid courses are being raised: mandatory course hours are increasing, full-day training with expanded content (Heimlich maneuver, defibrillation, ventilation) are becoming standard. Online courses are emerging as an alternative, with their effectiveness being debated. Malteser are expanding training facilities and offering public courses for the first time to address skilled labor shortages and gaps in first responder coverage.

New research shows: women with cardiac arrest outside hospitals survive less often than men. The reason is outdated CPR training and training manikins lacking female anatomical details that require different compression techniques. This results in poorer lay CPR performance for women. Internationally, focus is intensifying on gender-sensitive resuscitation guidelines and AED availability.

The emergency service in Cottbus is facing a financing crisis: controversy over fee notices for patients with emergency call costs, unclear definitions of 'false calls' and associated high costs. A crisis summit initially prevented patient fees, but the structural financing question remains unresolved. Nationwide discussions are emerging about fair cost distribution between health insurance companies, counties, and patients.