World First Aid Day: PMU Students as Premedics in Emergency Response

First aid can save lives: Today’s global World First Aid Day serves as an annual reminder of how crucial it is to act quickly and correctly in emergencies. Exactly 25 years ago, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched this initiative for the first time.

At PMU’s Salzburg campus, this spirit is actively embraced through volunteer service: The PMU Premedics, with around 100 members, are the largest student project in human medicine at the Salzburg campus and an official unit of the Red Cross Salzburg.

Additionally, all students of human medicine and pharmacy complete an intensive first aid course during their first two weeks of study—the Beginners’ Weeks. This course forms the foundation for a career as an emergency medical technician.

A day in the life of a Premedic includes: • Operating their own ambulance • Stationed at the university • Serving as “First Responders” in the Salzburg area—primarily at night and on weekends

The PMU Premedics not only make a vital contribution to emergency care in Salzburg but also gain practical skills and confidence for their future careers.

World First Aid Day reminds us all: Every minute counts. Whether by securing an accident scene, calling emergency services, or performing resuscitation—everyone can help. Thank you to our Premedics, who lead by example and demonstrate the importance of first aid—not just today, but every single day.

You can review the most important first aid measures on the Austrian Red Cross website: https://www.roteskreuz.at/erste-hilfe-videos

Translated by Le Chat