According to the federal government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry lodged by the Green Party, 69,008 students completed free training courses in First Aid with self-protection components (EHSH) during the first quarter of 2026. This information was reported by the “Rheinische Post.”
These training sessions were conducted by five recognized aid organizations and are intended to strengthen the ability of individuals to help themselves during civil protection incidents or in exceptional emergencies.
However, the measures are considered insufficient by the Green Party. Green Party representative Leon Eckert criticized the government, stating that while education is an important component, it is not a panacea. He emphasized that businesses and volunteers must also be involved. Furthermore, Eckert noted that the Interior Minister plans no specific support for volunteer work in civil defense-a type of support that is desperately needed.
The government’s answers highlighted significant gaps, according to Eckert. He observed that despite substantial investment in technology, little is being done to build the crisis resilience of the population. He characterized this as disappointing, arguing that “the best siren is useless if only a few people know the importance of the warning sounds.”
