The 24 paramedics of the Bavarian red cross in Hof work for 24 hours. They have got two big and four small ambulances. One of the paramedics Mr. Urban gave us an interview and told us something about his work.
Question(Q): How many people are in the ambulance and what exactly are they doing?
Answer(A):There are normally two people, a paramedic who looks after the patient and the driver of the ambulance.
Q: What kind of training do they have?
A: The paramedic must do training for two years, after the training he has to take a state exam. The driver has a paramedics training and has got a special driving licence to transport people.
Q: Q: Where does the ambulance have to go more often, to a car accident or to a private house?
A: There are less car accidents than internistic problems.
Q: What is the equipment of an ambulance like and what kind of help can you
offer?
A: A big ambulance has got a wide range of medical equipment you can use
during rescue actions. We have also got a selection of medicine, bandages,
infusions and other medical instruments.
Q: Can you do small operations in the ambulance?
A: Not really! We only do first aid.
Q: What is a rescue action like and how big is the district of this paramedics service?
A: The actions are organised by the Bavarian red cross head quarter. The rescue service Hof is responsible for Hof and districts around Hof. There are also three other rescue services in the district( Rehau, Münchberg and Naila).
Q: How long can it possibly take till an ambulance arrives?
A: We are supposed to be there within seven minutes, this is not always possible.
Q: How fast can the driver of the ambulance drive?
A: The general speed limits are valid for an ambulance, too.
But also with a flashing blue-light and the siren going, the driver must be
careful.
Q: Is there an extra technical car inspection or is there only the normal MOT?
A: The cars have to get through the MOT once a year. The equipment has to be checked by the paramedics every day. Once a week the car has to be disinfected and checked. It's important that the ambulance is fully equipped and that the equipment is functioning. It's important that everything works and that everything is complete.
Q: How long does a paramedic have to work?
A: We don't work for thirty-eight hours, but for forty-five a week. We work
in two shifts a day shift and a night shift. Of course there are sometimes
situations which are touching and which you can't forget.
(for example: horrible accidents).
Übersetzt ins Englische: Sven Heerdegen