International version N°3
A Message from Jean-Marc Le Coq, Communication & Fundraising Manager In this international edition of the Crosswords magazine, you can find some of the main humanitarian activities of the Red Cross. This third edition has a special focus on ambulances and first aid. The Luxembourg Red Cross is continuously building awareness of its training in order to get individuals and company employees trained in first aid. As an organization based on volunteers, it is also always looking for new ambulance volunteers. Please contact us and get involved! Jean-Marc – 45 02 02 426 – communication@croix-rouge.lu
From rescuers to ambulance men To be part of the Luxembourg Red Cross team of rescuers and paramedics, first aid training is necessary. Rescuers are trained by a group of first aid instructors, approved by the Ministry of Interior. In addition to the 14 required courses provided by the Administration of Emergency Services, emergency rescuers of the Red Cross receive two hours of theoretical and practical training every week to prepare them for their missions. They can then participate in activities such as transporting of patients with the Ambulance Service of the Red Cross and providing support during sporting or cultural events. The experience acquired on weekends and holidays from the Professional Fire Fighters of Luxembourg, as part of their training, enables the Red Cross rescuers to use their skills in real emergency situations (domestic accidents, road accidents, accidents in the workplace, etc.). This collaboration forms an essential part of writing and passing an official exam, set by the Ministry of Interior, in order to obtain the qualification of emergency rescuer. Through this training, rescuers are annually offered both initial and refresher courses organized at the National School of Civil Protection in Schimpach. The field exercises complete the training. After this graduation, ambulance men can follow an extra internal training and obtain the title of licensed ambulance man. > Jerry Ast, First Aid instructor in charge of the emergency rescuers section of the Luxembourg Red Cross
The rescue-ambulance men Activity As an active participant in ambulance transport services since 1st of March 1991, the Ambulance Service of the Red Cross is a trusted partner, recognized by medical institutions for both the quality of training of its rescue people and for its developed infrastructure. The equipment, which is regularly renewed in line with the progress in medical procedures, is identical to that of the Administration of Emergency Services and can assist the organization in the event of a disaster where there is a significant number of victims. SEPT. 2009
International version N°3
Ambulance transport The patient transportation service provided by the Ambulance Service of the Red Cross is complementary to that of the Office of Emergency Services and the Professional Fire Fighters, which provide emergency response.
The Ambulance Service of the Luxembourg Red Cross offers the transportation of sick or disabled patients for a medical consultation or hospitalization. Hospitals are using the Red Cross service for the home return of patients or for transfers to hospitals abroad. The repatriation of patients coming from hospitals abroad is also provided by Red Cross ambulances. Transportation vehicles differ, with both standard medical ambulances and light medical vehicles being used, with the presence of at least one licensed ambulance man onboard. The flexibility of having both professionals and volunteers provides the availability of a daily service throughout the year to hospitals, nursing homes, special events organizers and other services of the Luxembourg Red Cross (e.g. the Convalescent Center at Colpach, the Blood Transfusion Center and CIPA Junglinster).
Blood transport The ambulance service also transports blood and blood-products on a monthly basis, from the Blood Transfusion Center of the Red Cross to hospitals within the country and abroad, for the irradiation of blood products.
Interventions with the Professional Fire Fighters in Luxembourg As part of their training, the Red Cross emergency rescuers collaborate with the Luxembourg Professional Fire Fighters to gain experience in emergency response (domestic accidents, work, road, etc.). Every weekend and holiday, at least one of the rescuers of the Red Cross works as a permanent team member together with an ambulance Professional Fire Fighter to be available in the event of an accident.
Medical support during the events The Ambulance Service of the Red Cross may be requested for standby first aid services (ambulance and rescue team) at cultural and sporting events. In case of an accident or injury, the paramedics provide first aid on site and will, if necessary, call an ambulance service or EMS emergency. Events covered in recent years by the Red Cross are: foot races in the Luxembourg Athletics Federation, the Festival of Comic Strip in Contern, the Fortis Championships and the “Open Seat” tennis cups as well as other various football and rugby matches. > Tom Weber, in charge of the Ambulance service and Fernand Reisen, Volunteer rescue man
SEPT. 2009
International version N°3
First aid: three minutes for a life! This tagline should motivate everyone to undergo first aid training, for an effective and quick reaction in case of damage to the vital functions of a victim. The main purpose of learning the ways to save lives is to stabilize a victim until authorized help arrives, or even to save his life by an effective cardiac massage immediately after the accident. The Luxembourg Red Cross organizes first aid courses, alone or in collaboration with the Administration of Emergency Services. A team of instructors, appointed by the Ministry of Interior, is responsible for training courses which follow a program defined by a ducal regulation, comprised of 14 sessions of 2 hours. Each course ends with a test. Those who pass the examination are awarded a diploma issued by the Ministry of Interior and a first aid initiation certificate issued by the Luxembourg Red Cross. It is recommended that a refresher course is done in 4 sessions of 2 hours, every 3 years. Normally, a minimum of fifteen candidates is required for a course to be organized. The program, with both theoretical and practical features, deals with themes such as: control of vital functions, CPR, controlling bleeding, treating wounds and burns, patient positioning, immobilization of fractures, poisoning and general and specific measures in dealing with different difficulties encountered. All first aid courses are free of charge to the public. At a company level, legislation requires first aid training for a certain percentage of its staff. This percentage varies depending on the area of activity or working conditions. Within the EU there is no equivalency between first aid diplomas. Programs and duration of courses vary from one country to another. > Jerry Ast, First Aid Instructor in charge of the emergency-rescuers section
Do you need an ambulance for transport of patients? Call 45 70 70 – 1 Do you need a first aid preventive team for your events? Call 45 70 70 - 31
SEPT. 2009