Germany holds Resuscitation Week to promote life-saving first aid

Germany is observing ‘Resuscitation Week’ from September 21 to 27 to promote life-saving first aid skills. The initiative, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and various medical associations, aims to encourage citizens to act during cardiac arrests using the ‘Check – Call – Press’ method.

Statistics indicate that over 120,000 people in Germany suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with only about ten percent surviving. Immediate chest compressions and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are critical to improving these survival rates.

Data highlights a significant gap in preparedness. While most citizens value first aid, surveys show that many lack confidence; only 15% feel very secure performing chest compressions, and 24% have not taken a course in over 20 years. In sports settings, the urgency is heightened, as survival chances decrease by 10% for every minute without resuscitation.