Emergency aid in Vogelsberg: Migrants in action as a language mediator!

Emergency aid in Vogelsberg: Migrants in action as a language mediator!

An innovative project in the Vogelsberg district ensures a fresh wind in emergency communication: migrants who master both their mother tongue and German now offer valuable translation aids for emergency services in critical situations. In a country where quick decisions are required in emergencies, the project encounters the challenge of the language barriers. As the Allgäuer Zeitung reports, the language mediators are switched on by telephone to combine emergency doctors, emergency services and help seeking help. The initiator Björn Preuss-von Brincken, also district fire chief and intercultural consultant, emphasizes that the first volunteers have been actively supporting since September and a strong team has already been formed with almost 20 volunteers.

comprehensive training for emergency situations

The emergency language investigators receive extensive training in order not only in regular operations, but also in dangerous situations such as fire brigade operations. The need for this training was emphasized during an exchange meeting of the volunteers, in which Caritas migration advice was also presented. As Osthessen News , a permanently established network of around 96 volunteers is already actively active for the language. The volunteers support, for example, in visits to the doctor, officials and in schools and daycare centers.

With over 2000 dates already carried out, it can be seen that the language investigation pool represents an indispensable instrument for overcoming linguistic hurdles. It also opens up migrants the opportunity to actively participate in their integration trip by helping others. This significant volunteering is regularly recognized, which strengthens the community and promoted the feeling of belonging.