# German emergency service preparedness and service models

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-emergency-service-preparedness-and-service-models
> Updated: 2026-11-08T11:26:49.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Knut Fleckenstein, Federal Chairman of the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), has raised concerns regarding Germany’s disaster preparedness. He highlighted a shortage of protective infrastructure, noting that only two mobile care modules exist nationwide and existing vehicles are aging. Fleckenstein also warned of potential service cuts, such as reduced ambulance availability, due to insufficient financing following recent emergency care reforms. He called for legal equality for volunteer responders and amendments to the Emergency Paramedic Act to ensure paramedics can legally perform life-saving measures.

Following these concerns, the ASB expressed support for plans to introduce a new voluntary social service. Fleckenstein recommended that any potential mandatory civil or military service should incorporate elements from existing volunteer models, such as the Federal Volunteer Service, and focus on training young people for civil protection. He also suggested that participants receive improved compensation to cover basic living costs and noted that the ASB could potentially double its current volunteer numbers if such a service were established.

## Claims

- The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) supports plans by Federal Family Minister Karin Prien to introduce a voluntary social service. (reported by 2 sources)
- ASB Federal Chairman Knut Fleckenstein called for early planning regarding a potential mandatory civil service. (reported by 2 sources)
- Fleckenstein rejected reinstating the abolished civil service in its previous form. (reported by 2 sources)
- The ASB currently has approximately 1,500 people performing the Federal Volunteer Service or the Voluntary Social Year. (reported by 2 sources)
- The ASB claims it could double its number of volunteers if a new service is established. (reported by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-08: Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund calls for planning of potential civil service

The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund supports new voluntary social service plans but urges early preparation for a potential mandatory civil service model.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arbeiter-samariter-bund-calls-for-planning-of-potential-civil-service

### 2026-11-05: Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund warns of German emergency service risks

The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund warns that Germany lacks sufficient crisis protection and faces potential emergency service cuts due to funding issues and inadequate legal protections for volunteers.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asb-criticizes-germanys-crisis-preparedness-and-demands-legal-protections

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Cite as: German emergency service preparedness and service models. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-emergency-service-preparedness-and-service-models