School Red Cross Urges Reintroduction of Educational Programs in Institutions
In light of the German Youth Red Cross's 100th anniversary, its federal leader, Marcel Bösel, called for mandatory layperson resuscitation training in schools starting from the seventh grade. The training, Bösel contends, could be as simple as two hours per year and could significantly increase the chances of saving lives in emergency situations.
Since the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs recommended the inclusion of this topic in lesson plans in 2014, the implementation has been less than comprehensive. Currently, only a small number of schools throughout the country offer such training.
Bösel attributed the delay in comprehensive implementation to potential financial and political obstacles, rather than a lack of support or necessity. The German Youth Red Cross aims to increase the number of children and young people trained in first aid through school health services.
The importance of first aid knowledge becomes apparent in the event of cardiac arrest, where every minute counts, and a doctor may not always be immediately available. Bösel estimates that at least 10,000 lives could be saved if layperson resuscitation training were implemented nationwide.
Founded on May 27, 1925, the German Youth Red Cross currently has approximately 160,000 members aged 6 to 27. Last year, the membership count increased by 20,000. Around 45,000 young people are engaged in school health services nationwide.
Bösel noted a high demand for membership but expressed concerns about the future, stating that the shortage of leaders might become a more pressing issue as leadership roles dwindle in societal appeal.
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During free time, some young members of the German Youth Red Cross might choose to focus on health-and-wellness, including fitness-and-exercise activities. With the increase in first aid knowledge and training, they could also learn science-based lifesaving techniques, potentially contributing to saving lives in emergency situations.
