First Aid Newsletter

On June 23, 2026, Johanniter and Malteser called on the Bavarian State Government to ensure that Germany becomes more crisis-resistant and should build stronger crisis resilience. This position is strengthened by high-level political support (Söder, Herrmann). The signal shows that major relief organizations are leveraging their political influence to secure resources for civil protection.

The Bundesrat has proposed changes to the planned emergency reform that redefine emergency services as comprehensive care provision (not just transport). This signals a structural realignment of emergency care in Germany with significant implications for financing, task definition, and competency distribution. The reform could create a funding gap of up to 1 billion euros.

The planned GKV Contribution Rate Stabilization Act is rated as critical by emergency service professional associations, as it structurally prevents necessary developments in emergency services and will not achieve the goals of the emergency reform. The looming funding gap of up to 1 billion euros jeopardizes the operationalization of the new emergency strategy.

Emergency paramedics report nationwide that without consulting emergency physicians, they are unable to or can only administer few medications, even though this could be life-saving in emergencies. This regulatory ambiguity delays patient care and leads to treatment gaps. The problem highlights implementation issues with the planned emergency reform.

DRK, Johanniter, and Malteser increasingly offer specialized first aid courses (outdoor first aid, children's/youth focus, forest kindergartens, Mental Health First Aid). This demonstrates a professionalization and differentiation trend in the training market. In-house training offerings decentralize education and increase geographic coverage.