From BZ editors
Unfortunately, there will be no quick solution to the current problems of the fire brigade – experts and professionals agree on that. But what is actually going wrong? BZ gives reasons.
► The problem Standardized Emergency Call Query Protocol (SNAP). Since the introduction of the computer system in 2005, which asks the officials in the control center standardized key questions and dispatches emergency services on this basis, firefighters have increasingly complained about pointless deployments.
Proposal of the union GdP: change of the rescue service law and feedback from the hospitals to make the system better.
► Ambulances too often respond to so-called low codes – pain from ingrown toenails, brief dizziness, nosebleeds or persistent hiccups – where there is no acute danger to life. The GdP proposes to better prioritize missions in three stages in the future: 1. life-threatening, 2. health-threatening, 3. in clarification.
► Berliners call the fire brigade for help too often – unfortunately even with trifles. The liability for this lies solely with the medical director of the fire brigade – more personal responsibility would be necessary, according to the GdP. Also: mandatory first-aid courses in schools, tutorials in social media and a call center for first-aid measures.
► Aid organizations such as the Johanniter or the Red Cross are also integrated into the fire brigade’s ambulance system. But yesterday alone eleven of these vehicles were not in service – apparently due to a lack of staff.
The GdP therefore calls for a joint patient transport control center for private transport companies. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians must also be more involved.
