Young heroes: Aachen students save life at the fitness drama!

Young heroes: Aachen students save life at the fitness drama!

In the week of the revival, which took place from September 16 to September 22, 2024, a special press conference was held on September 25th in the Aachen town hall. As part of the "Rettet Region" Region Initiative, the focus and recognition of thanks and recognition were in the foreground this year. Numerous actors from the cities of Aachen, Düren, Euskirchen and Heinsberg were honored here, who have saved human lives through quick action.

The two medical students Luisa Bormann and Marijan Balters from the University Hospital RWTH Aachen were one of the absolute stars of the honorary event. In November 2023, these two young people saved the life of the 27-year-old Philipp in the gym when he suffered a cardiovascular arrest. Without hesitation, Luisa and Marijan put their fresh knowledge of revival techniques into practice and were able to successfully reanimate Philipp.

first aid knowledge saves life

What makes this incident particularly remarkable: At that time, neither of the two students had practical experience in the field of emergency medicine. The critical knowledge that they could use to revive had only had a short time earlier in the introductory weeks of their medical studies. The fact that you were able to implement this knowledge in a traumatic situation so quickly and effectively shows how important well -founded training is in first aid. "A sudden cardiac arrest can meet everyone. It is often only a few minutes who decide on life or death. It is crucial to act quickly," said Dr. Med Mark Pitsch, assistant doctor in the Clinic for Anesthesiology of the University Hospital RWTH Aachen and emergency doctor in the emergency services of the city of Aachen.

Philipp survived the incident almost without health consequences, which represents further proof of the effectiveness of first aid and the quick action by Luisa and Marijan. "The measures to revive are not only easy to learn, but decisively in an emergency," said Dr. Pitsch continues. "Do not be afraid to help in such a situation. It is worse to do nothing."

Following the press conference, the Aachen Institute for Rescue Medicine and Civil Security (ARS) took a look at the future of first aid training. Pupils in the 9th grade of the St. Leonhard municipal high school were sensitized to important immediate measures. Under professional guidance, they learned to recognize a cardiovascular arrest, to break down the emergency call and to carry out a cardiac pressure massage. The aim of the training was not only to convey theoretical knowledge, but also to strengthen the practical skills that may be able to save lives in an emergency

The "Rettet Region Aachen Region" initiative thus plays an important role in the education and training of the civilian population. It illustrates that quick action in critical situations can not only be used theoretically, but also practically learned and successfully. These events show how important it is that each of us should equip themselves with first aid knowledge in order to intervene and help in an emergency.