New head of psychosocial emergency care in the Schwandorf district honored!

New head of psychosocial emergency care in the Schwandorf district honored!

In a ceremonial handover, District Administrator Thomas Ebeling presented the certificate to a new head and specialist advisor of the Psychosocial Emergency Care (PSNV) in the Schwandorf district. Markus Klein from Johanniter Accident Aid received further training at the state fire brigade school in Geretsried and is now ready to provide valuable support in crisis situations. As head of the PSNV, he is responsible for the operational sections and leads the subordinate forces in a targeted manner.

“Major damage events and catastrophes bring not only physical but also considerable psychological stress,” says Ebeling, describing the challenges. The main task of the PSNV is to counteract these burdens and to ensure fast, competent help. For this purpose, a PSNV working group was set up in March 2023, which is intended to make it possible to better network the offers and needs in the region. Torsten Färber from Johanniter Accident Aid was also present and emphasized how important this further training is for the entire region.

Coordination and preparation are crucial

In order for the PSNV to function smoothly in crisis situations, special structures and processes are also required. A module for training emergency services covers, among other things, psychosocial crisis management and interdisciplinary action strategies in major disaster situations. This further training helps to provide the necessary knowledge for effective support in emergencies such as: Psychologist Academy emphasized.

Particularly after events such as train accidents or natural disasters, sound first aid is necessary in order to quickly and effectively address the psychological distress of those affected. Regular psychological practices are often overwhelmed, which is why volunteers from crisis intervention and emergency pastoral care teams are called in. These teams can provide first aid within 30 to 60 minutes of being alerted Emergency psychology reported.

A strong network for the future

Anchoring the PSNV within disaster control is crucial. The emergency services work closely with emergency services and the police, enabling seamless assistance. Unlike regular facilities, which often require long waiting times and fixed structures, the teams act flexibly and quickly. “It is important that we optimally coordinate the various tactical units that are needed in crisis situations,” explains Färber, adding that support from clinicians also plays a central role.

The progress in the training and networking of the PSNV teams gives reason to hope that in the event of a major disaster, everyone involved will be ideally positioned to provide quick and effective help. By using the UN's “Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings”, a structured care network is created that keeps an eye on the long-term care of traumatized people. In future emergencies, the bridging function of psychosocial acute help can become crucial.