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Rescue operation (symbol image)
Photo: Boris Roessler/DPA
A semitrailer driver suffered a medical emergency on Autobahn 40 near Essen – and according to the police, received almost no help from other road users.
The man was lying on the shoulder outside of his vehicle in the heat on Thursday afternoon in an “obvious emergency”, the highway police said.
The majority of drivers drove past the person in need of help "unmoved" without taking care of him or at least dialing the emergency number.
Paper with the inscription "112" held up
Shortly before the Essen-Ost motorway junction, emergency services from the Mülheim motorway police noticed that many road users were braking sharply near the articulated lorry standing on the hard shoulder towards Venlo.
The officials then noticed the wide open driver's door and a half-lying person in front of it.
The man even held up a note with the inscription "112" for the emergency number.
When the officers approached him, he repeatedly pointed to his chest.
They immediately called the ambulance and ambulance.
Only during the first aid did another road user finally stop to support the officials in providing assistance, the police continued.
Due to his critical condition, the truck driver was unable to provide any more information before he came to the hospital.
»At least dialing the emergency call should be a matter of course for everyone«
Initial investigations afterwards had shown that apparently only one road user had called the Essen fire brigade by phone as she was driving past.
The police appealed in view of the questionable behavior of the people: "Everyone can find themselves in an emergency.
First aid or at least dialing the emergency number should be a matter of course for everyone.«
bbr/dpa
