Studies meet paramedics: KL Krems and Rotes Kreuz NÖ launch joint training module

Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL) and the Lower Austrian Red Cross (RKNÖ) have signed a cooperation agreement to intensify their collaboration in the field of paramedic training. Since the beginning of May 2025, students of the Bachelor's degree program in Medical Science - the first part of the medical degree programme at KL Krems - have been able to take part in the elective module “Basics for Paramedics”. The aim is to make it easier for graduates of the module to start training as paramedics at the RKNÖ in accordance with the Paramedics Act (SanG) and the Paramedics Training Ordinance (SanAV).

“The cooperation not only strengthens the practical training of our students, but also makes a valuable contribution to a central area of healthcare,” emphasizes Rudolf Mallinger, Rector of Karl Landsteiner University. “We are delighted to be working with the Lower Austrian Red Cross to provide a lasting impetus for the combination of university teaching and emergency services practice.”

Hans Ebner, President of the Lower Austrian Red Cross, welcomes the close cooperation with KL Krems: "Our work thrives on the voluntary commitment of the people in our organization. I am all the more pleased that with this initiative we are not only creating joint theoretical and practical training to become a paramedic, but also strengthening the security of care in Lower Austria with highly trained young people."

Theoretical knowledge and practical basics 

The compulsory elective module - led by KL graduate Georg Philipp Frank, assistant doctor at the Clinical Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at St. Pölten University Hospital and head of the Skills Lab at KL Krems - is offered in the second year of the bachelor's degree in Medical Science and teaches in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical basics from the emergency medical services. “The content of the module was determined in close coordination between KL and RKNÖ,” explains module leader Georg Philipp Frank. “Lecturers from RKNÖ and KL teach the course, which also includes an intermediate examination in accordance with Section 16 SanAV, which is taken jointly by both institutions as part of the module.”  The courses are mainly taught by experienced paramedic instructors from the RKNÖ. The lecturers have several years of practical experience as emergency paramedics and teaching experience in the emergency services.

Successful completion of the intermediate examination is a prerequisite for subsequent recognition by the RKNÖ as part of the RS training program. Students who successfully complete the compulsory elective module can enter directly into the second part of the RS training at the RKNÖ within twelve months of completing the module - provided they become a voluntary member of the RKNÖ. 

 “Following the joint establishment of the ‘Fit4Reanimation’ school initiative with the Lower Austrian Youth Red Cross, among others, we are continuing our successful cooperation with the Lower Austrian Red Cross,” says Manfred Wieser, Vice Rector for Education at Karl Landsteiner University, and the driving force behind this training programme for KL students. “For me, it is particularly important that medical students get to know the various professional groups they will be working with in their medical careers as early as possible in the interests of efficient interprofessional collaboration.”

Long-term cooperation in terms of practical training

The agreement between the KL and the RKNÖ underlines the common goal of providing students with practical skills in the emergency services at an early stage and facilitating the transition between studying and volunteering. This should not only strengthen the training of future doctors, but also further promote the contribution to the healthcare system in Lower Austria.