Quick help: WHU First Responder saves lives in Vallendar!

Quick help: WHU First Responder saves lives in Vallendar!

The WHU First Responder Initiative, which has been active for over 20 years, plays an essential role in emergency rescue in the Vallendar region. This group was created to fill the gap caused by the city of Vallendar not having its own rescue station. In acute emergencies, rescue workers often have to come from neighboring cities, which can cost valuable time. The aim of the WHU First Responders is to save people's lives through rapid initial medical care.

The initiative is currently led by Yannick Ziller (BSc 2027), who trained as a paramedic and is very interested in medical matters. All active members of the group are students at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management and have undergone appropriate training at the German Red Cross (DRK). Members are available 24/7 to respond quickly to emergencies.

First aid training and operational readiness

New members must first complete a first aid course, also under the direction of the DRK. This is followed by an internship in the active rescue service in order to gain practical experience. This is considered essential in order to be able to react professionally in stressful situations. In summer, first responders increasingly have to deal with circulatory problems, especially in older people. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea or dizziness could indicate heat stroke.

To prevent such emergencies, the WHU First Responder recommends various precautionary measures: drinking regularly, adapting sporting activities to cooler times of day and wearing light, breathable clothing are crucial. If you feel unwell, you should seek medical help immediately. Last semester, the group recorded approximately 54 missions, which varies given different weather conditions and individual health risks.

Importance of first aid knowledge

First aid knowledge is not only important for the members of the WHU First Responder. Studies show that they are essential for each of us. In Germany, an average of eight people die in traffic every day. In 2019, around 3,090 deaths and 383,000 injuries were reported due to traffic accidents. Experts recommend refreshing your first aid knowledge regularly every five years, as knowledge acquired once is not enough to be able to act effectively in an emergency.

According to a report by the former DRK President Dr. According to Rudolf Seiters, first aid measures are an essential part of the rescue chain and the first aid provided by first aiders can be decisive for the outcome of an accident. The first aid certificate remains valid indefinitely, while specific training, such as company assistant training, must be renewed every two years.

The WHU First Responder Initiative remains an outstanding example of volunteer commitment in emergency rescue. With their extensive training and tireless commitment, they make a valuable contribution to the safety and health of the community in Vallendar.