Hospital.Help

Cologne – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, recovery position, rescue grip: Participants in a first aid course learn all of this. For almost 60 percent of Germans, the last one was more than five years ago.

This is the result of a representative YouGov survey commissioned by the Malteser Relief Service. Only 14 percent attended a course within the past two years.

For about the same number of people, the last course was between three and five years ago. Eight percent of Germans cannot prove that they have taken part in a first aid course.

On First Aid Day tomorrow, the Malteser are pointing out that as a first aider you can’t do anything wrong, “except not taking action,” says Angelo Rupflin, head of training at the Malteser Relief Service in the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is important to speak to the patient, stay with them and call the emergency services.

The Malteser and other aid organizations recommend repeating the first aid course every two years. This gives a good feeling of being able to help in an emergency – often with friends and acquaintances.

The courses are mandatory for people who want to get a driver’s license and for certain professions. Rupflin says they are helpful for anyone who spends a lot of time in contact with other people. © kna/aerzteblatt.de