GVZ launches "First Responder Canton Zurich"
With the "First Responder Canton Zurich" pilot project, GVZ Gebäudeversicherung Kanton Zürich is introducing nationwide emergency care with qualified lay helpers.
The emergency helpers are intended to provide immediate assistance in the event of cardiovascular emergencies and thus bridge the critical time until the professional rescue services arrive. The project is being implemented on behalf of the Cantonal Council, the GVZ announced.
In the event of cardiac arrest, immediate resuscitation measures are crucial. And the more conscious and faster the help, the better the patient's chances of survival. So far, 39 out of a total of 102 fire departments in the canton of Zurich (around 400 firefighters) have volunteered to carry out first responder missions. In order to achieve even greater coverage in the canton, the number of first responders is to be increased to up to 2,500. In addition to members of the fire department in the canton of Zurich, we are therefore looking for other people who are trained in life-saving measures. This includes, for example, people who are members of civil protection organizations or have relevant experience in the medical field.
Start pilot project
The pilot project "First Responder Canton Zurich" and thus the realignment of the first responder organization is being carried out on behalf of the Cantonal Council, in cooperation with the Health Directorate (postulate KR no. 302/2019). With the launch of the project, active first responders from the fire department who wish to continue working as first responders will be seamlessly integrated into the new system. They will continue to guarantee comprehensive coverage in their region. The pilot project is expected to last three years.
"In order to ensure the survival of affected persons as far as possible, it is essential that first responders can begin resuscitation within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest," explains Renato Mathys, Head of the Fire Service at GVZ.
Well trained and equipped - ready for action
Working as a first responder requires a BLS-AED-SRC certificate (complete course) and participation in the mandatory GVZ first responder basic course. The costs for training, equipment and insurance are covered by the GVZ. First responders carry out their missions on a voluntary basis, without financial compensation.
Alerts via an app
From the beginning of April 2024, available first responders will be called out by the 144 Operations Control Center via the new first responder app. Until then, alerts will be sent via pager. First responders are always alerted at the same time as the rescue service, provided they can arrive at the scene before the rescue service. As soon as the ambulance service arrives, it takes over the further care of the patient.
Become a first responder
The new GVZ first responder website provides an insight into the tasks involved and all the information on how to become a first responder. The GVZ invites committed adults in the canton of Zurich who would like to support emergency care in their region to register. Further information and registration at www.firstresponder.gvz.ch
Source: GVZ
