Saxony: Johanniter call for a central health control center

Heidenau (dpa/sn) - Rescue for the rescue service: In order to avoid misuse of the emergency number 112, the aid organization Johanniter calls for a different structure.

Saxony: Johanniter call for a central health control center

Heidenau (dpa/sn) - Rescue for the rescue service: In order to avoid misuse of the emergency number 112, the aid organization Johanniter calls for a different structure. "We need a central contact - a pilot system that guides patients optimally, a health control center," explained Kevin Grigorian, head of the rescue division

According to Grigorian, trained dispatchers could take the calls, filter emergency calls and, if necessary, send out ambulances. On the other hand, the control center would have to be able to refer minors to the on-call service of statutory health insurance physicians or resident doctors without having to fear legal disputes later.

According to the Johanniter, more and more people in Germany are dialing 112 - even if there is no emergency. "The consequences: a massive increase in the number of operations, overcrowded emergency rooms, emergency services at the limit, frustrated patients. Reforms are urgently needed." According to Grigorian, the aim is to strengthen emergency call alternatives. In this way, rescue services could use outpatient and inpatient resources more efficiently. Every patient would receive help - but emergency rescue must be reserved for emergencies. Especially since the increasing demand for emergency care is meeting a system that is running out of staff, it said.

According to the organizers, the Leipzig emergency doctor Patrick Swoboda from the St. Georg Clinic referred to an "emergency medical emergency". Paramedics could make up for the lack of emergency doctors with their comprehensive training, but they do not have the appropriate clearances: "The paramedics can provide patients with full emergency medical care, but they are not allowed to do so and have to go to the hospital. Time is also lost there."