World Reanimation Day: KL and emerKREMSy focus on awareness raising and training

Sudden cardiac death is currently one of the most common causes of death worldwide; in Austria, more than 10,000 people die of it every year. The good news is: if you find an unconscious person, any help is better than none. However, many do not know this and are inhibited to intervene courageously. But research shows that the chance of survival in cardiovascular arrest is two to three times higher if emergency witnesses help and quickly start resuscitation measures. On their own, many lay people lack the knowledge and experience of which steps to take. The Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL) in Krems, together with its medical experts in the university hospitals in Krems, St. Pölten and Tulln, students and partners in the health sector, would like to bring this know-how to the population. To this end, the university is planning a series of activities in the coming months, starting with the youngest children. "In order to reduce inhibitions, sensitise the population and thus increase the rate of lay resuscitation, early contact with the topic is particularly suitable, for example in the context of resuscitation lessons at school," emphasises Manfred Wieser, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Head of the Human Medicine Master Programme. 

emerKREMSy - Initiative of KL students 

Already established at KL Krems is emerKREMSy - the student association for emergency medicine. Founded in 2022 by KL medical student Lukas Feurhuber, the student initiative with numerous committed members has since developed into an institution beyond the university's borders. "At emerKREMSy, we place great emphasis on interdisciplinary and interprofessional exchange and progress in emergency medicine," says Lukas Feurhuber. "Our community provides a supportive environment where you can expand your knowledge, gain practical experience and make valuable contacts." In addition to a lecture series for students with exciting speakers from various disciplines and a range of electives in the field of emergency medicine, the emerKREMSy team is also committed to raising awareness about the importance of first aid and resuscitation as a valuable skill for every individual. Among other things, initiatives are planned in the public sphere to educate the population about life-saving measures and to remove inhibitions about providing acute help in an emergency. Because one thing is quite clear: reanimation saves lives - and is actually child's play!