DRK Aims to Train Four Million Citizens for Emergency Preparedness

The German Red Cross (DRK) has identified a critical need for enhanced training among the population to ensure effective response during emergencies and disasters. According to the organization, millions of individuals in Germany lack the necessary skills to assist others in times of crisis. To address this gap, the DRK has proposed that four million citizens should undergo training in first aid and self-help techniques for emergency situations.

Heike Spieker, the head of the DRK's National Relief Society, emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with essential knowledge to facilitate mutual assistance during crises. The training programs, which include first aid and guidance on how to react during power outages or severe weather events leading to flooding, are already being offered by various aid organizations with funding from the federal government.

To achieve a significant improvement in emergency preparedness, approximately 800,000 individuals need to be trained annually over the next five years. However, current budget allocations fall short, with provisions for training only around 100,000 participants per year. Spieker has criticized the federal government's 2025 budget proposal for not allocating sufficient resources for these vital training programs, stating that the plans contradict political commitments to bolster civil protection.

In addition to general emergency training, the DRK is advocating for the financial backing of courses to train support staff in care facilities. These trained personnel could provide crucial assistance in emergency shelters during exceptional circumstances. Spieker pointed out that the funding required for this initiative would be relatively modest, amounting to a low double-digit million figure, which is minimal compared to the overall federal budget. The potential impact in a crisis scenario, however, would be substantial.