Intensive care transport bus stationed in Mannheim - aid organizations plan and drive together.
(Mannheim, 11/23/2021) One of two large-capacity intensive care transport vans purchased last year by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs for the transport of COVID-19 patients arrived in Mannheim on Monday, Nov. 22. The converted intercity bus will be used for the transfer of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Intensive bus must quickly get on the road
The aid organizations agree that the special vehicle must be deployed as quickly as possible. "We are working hand in hand so that the first missions are possible as early as Thursday," says Kai Mutschler, deputy rescue service manager of the JUH. "Due to the high numbers, we are in a constantly worsening situation," explains Joachim Schmid, managing director of ASB Mannheim/Rhine-Neckar Region. Relief organizations expect that Covid-19 patients will have to be transported long distances. "We expect transfers to northern Germany," explains Mutschler, "but we also do not rule out Europe-wide transfers."
Intensive care transport bus departs from ASB rescue station Käfertal
The intensive care transport bus is currently being equipped with the necessary material at the ASB rescue station in Käfertal and will be launched from there. In the background, around 40 employees of the aid organizations are available who can be alerted at any time. Drivers can also be provided by the aid organizations if necessary. If the intensive care transport bus is not in use, it is parked on the grounds of the Mannheim Fire Department. The missions are coordinated by the ASB rescue station in Käfertal.
Good experience with cooperation in intensive care transports
The four aid organizations in Mannheim have already been working closely together with the ITW, the intensive care transport vehicle, for almost 10 years. "This is going extremely well," says Hendrik Maier, head of rescue services at ASB Mannheim/Rhine-Neckar Region. They have a common high level of expertise and close networking, confirms Christiane Springer, managing director of the Mannheim DRK district association. "Together, we are well-positioned in terms of personnel and can staff the intensive care transports quickly and without any problems," Springer continues. Due to the expected increase in transfer trips of patients requiring intensive care, the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior has additionally extended the holding times of the regular Mannheim ITW. This will now be on duty around the clock and also on weekends.
Rescue service in Mannheim well positioned
A total of around 745 employees work in the rescue service at the four aid organizations, and 126 young people are undergoing training. In addition, there are another 85 people who are doing either federal voluntary service or a voluntary social year with the organizations. This means that the rescue service in the Mannheim/Rhine-Neckar area is well positioned and has no capacity problem.
The press representatives of the respective organizations will be happy to answer any questions you may have.