Uwe Krischer, the North Rhein‑Westphalia state commissioner of the German Red Cross for civil protection, warns that large portions of the population remain unprepared for war and other major crises. He stresses that, in addition to adults, children and teenagers should also be trained for emergencies.
Krischer told the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung that first‑aid courses required for a driver’s licence-and the school resuscitation lessons-should also cover self‑protection. “This means teaching individuals how to secure supplies, assemble an emergency kit, and treat gunshot wounds and other war‑related injuries” he said. He added that the subject ought to begin in kindergartens: “Kindergarten children can learn playfully how to place an emergency call and bundle a wound. All kindergarten and school children in North Rhein‑Westphalia should be required to learn self‑protection”.
The Red Cross official argued that, in a major crisis, people will have to help themselves. “Many have not internalised this. They think that if they feel ill they simply call 112 and someone will arrive. But in a defensive situation, perhaps no one will”. Krischer told the WAZ.
