ErsteHilfeKurse

Erste-Hilfe-Kurse, sometimes written as Erste-HilfeKurse, are standardized trainings that teach basic first aid procedures to stabilize a person in an emergency and to bridge the gap until professional medical help arrives. They cover recognizing emergencies, assessing the situation, calling emergency services, and performing life-saving actions such as CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Additional topics may include managing bleeding, wounds, burns, fractures, suffocation, hypothermia, heat-related illness, and how to hand over care to responders.

In Germany and many German-speaking regions, Erste-Hilfe-Kurse are commonly required for obtaining a driver’s license and are widely used in schools and workplaces. The courses vary in length and format, but driving-license programs typically span several hours (commonly around nine teaching units) and emphasize practical skills, such as chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use. More extensive courses may address first aid in the workplace or for education settings and can last longer.

Course providers include both non-profit organizations and private training companies, such as the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross), Malteser Hilfsdienst, Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund, and other certified providers. Courses are generally structured with hands-on practice, demonstrations, and short assessments to ensure competence.

The availability of Erste-Hilfe-Kurse is wide, with options for introductory refreshers and for full certification. Certificates are typically recognized for the uses they target (driver’s license, employment, or school requirements) and may require updates or refresher sessions to remain current.