As of: January 30, 2024, 12:00 p.m
By: Gabi Werner
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Through a campaign, Niels van Meerwijk and his Johanniter local association are looking for new volunteers for the first responder service in the valley.
© Thomas Plettenberg
With their first responders, the Johanniter am Tegernsee provide a valuable service.
The local representative explains in an interview what the task consists of and why new volunteers are needed.
Rottach-Egern/Kreuth
– The Rottach/Kreuth local association of Johanniter always comes out with its team when quick help is needed in an emergency.
As first responders, the volunteers bridge the time until the emergency services arrive and provide qualified first aid until then.
The Johanniter in the Tegernsee Valley are currently looking for new members with a large-scale campaign - even free medical training is being offered.
Niels van Meerwijk (42) has been the local representative of the Johanniter am Tegernsee for six years.
In the interview he explains what requirements a first responder should have and what makes the job so appealing.
Mr. Meerwijk, you are currently campaigning hard to gain new strength for the Johanniter in the Tegernsee Valley. Are you running out of volunteers?
Niels van Meerwijk:
In fact, even before Corona, it wasn't easy to get people excited about volunteering with us.
But now it has become even more difficult.
That's why we started the campaign.
We want to recruit new people, especially for the first responder service - which is currently only partially staffed.
What does that mean?
Niels van Meerwijk:
It's a timing problem.
We simply cannot fill some shifts - our emergency vehicle is then not available to the Rosenheim control center.
This is particularly bitter on days with good weather and many day trippers.
How big is the team you can currently rely on?
Niels van Meerwijk:
There are currently nine of us who work exclusively as volunteers.
When are the first responders actually deployed? After all, there is an emergency service.
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Niels van Meerwijk:
We are always alerted when we have a time advantage or when helping hands are still needed during an operation.
We bridge the time until the emergency services arrive, so to speak.
After all, we are better trained than normal first aiders and of course we also have the appropriate material with us.
We do not see ourselves as competition to the Red Cross or other rescue organizations; we work hand in hand.
It's about the patient and not about us: And it doesn't matter what's on the emergency services' jacket.
There is always a lot going on in the Tegernsee Valley. How many missions do you have to complete on average?
Niels van Meerwijk:
It’s very different.
During the week there are up to three assignments per shift, on the weekend there can be six or seven assignments.
We cover the entire spectrum: from classic falls to heart attacks and traffic accidents.
In order to generate new helpers, you even offer free medical training in February and March. What does it look like?
Niels van Meerwijk:
Ultimately, the participants have to invest four weekends and around 80 teaching units or 60 hours.
In the end, they are paramedics - you need this training to be a first responder.
Afterwards, the graduates should of course be ready for the first responder service. How much time does it take to invest in this?
Niels van Meerwijk:
We actually used to have a shift plan in which the helpers were assigned four times a month.
Such requirements no longer exist.
We are now very flexible.
What requirements should someone who would like to get actively involved with the Johanniter have?
Niels van Meerwijk:
Those interested should ideally be of legal age and have a driving license.
And of course they should have a certain affinity for helping and supporting.
If someone wants to complete the training but is only 16, for example, that is also possible.
It is then important to keep the person in line until they can become active as a first responder.
Until then, he can, for example, take part in medical services, for example in the Olympic Stadium in Munich.
Your support is also needed for large-scale national operations.
Niels van Meerwijk:
Yes, we are also active in civil protection.
For example, in 2016 we were involved in defusing bombs on Christmas Day in Augsburg when an entire district had to be evacuated.
The Johanniter from the region also helped after the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley.
We also have more than enough tasks outside of the blue light area.
How has the response to your campaign been so far?
Niels van Meerwijk:
A few people have already registered for medical training, a few are still pending.
We can offer up to 20 places - we are still a long way from being able to fill them.
You are a first responder yourself. Especially on night shifts. Why do you think it is worth getting involved in this voluntary work?
Niels van Meerwijk:
It is a very fulfilling job to help others and be there for them in an emergency situation.
In such cases, people are in an exceptional situation.
As first aiders, we help to bring people down mentally and ensure a certain level of relaxation.
This could be particularly advantageous in the valley when heavy traffic makes it difficult for emergency services to get through.
Niels van Meerwijk:
We are stationed with our vehicle on Hammerschmiedstrasse in Weissach.
Logistically, this is a great corner.
Nevertheless, we are now looking for something new for our guard.
We're looking for something bigger and more modern.
So we could expand.
Information about free training and volunteering is available by calling 01 73 / 4 05 71 91 or by email to rottach@johanniter.de.
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