Supply in the event of a crisis: government does not know the number of operational civil protection helpers

According to the Federal Government, the Federal Government does not have an overview of the number of operational helpers that actually provide in the event of an attack for civil protection tasks. As can be seen from a response from the federal government to a written question from MP Jan Köstering (left), nobody knows how many soldiers and police officers are among the tens of thousands of volunteers who are involved in recognized aid organizations such as the German Red Cross (DRK) or the THW.

This is relevant because relatives of these professional groups have to do other tasks in the event of tension or defense. They may not be available for the supply of the population with clean drinking water, emergency electricity or makeshift accommodation.

Köstering had concretely known from the Ministry of the Interior how many trained and operational helpers via THW, DRK, Johanniter, Malteser, DLRG and the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) are available, but at the same time in structures of the federal government within the framework of the state and alliance defense as soldiers or subordinate authorities.

Double memberships are not recorded

In the response from the Ministry, which is available to the German Press Agency, it says: “Both the Bundeswehr as well as the other organs of the federal government and the aid organizations mentioned, such as the Federal Agency (THW) (THW), currently do not record double memberships in other authorities and organizations – neither with regard to additional voluntary work nor a full -time job.”

From a double membership itself, no statement can be derived to what extent it would lead to a real restriction of availability in a disaster case.

The Ministry also informed the MP that there was no data acquisition about how many helpers from recognized aid organizations work at the same time in other areas than civil servants at the fire brigade, police or the Bundeswehr.

Total defense an important topic

The countries are responsible for disaster protection in Germany. These include scenarios such as major fires, criminal cyber attacks or natural disasters. The federal government is responsible for civil protection, i.e. the protection of the population and the vital infrastructure in the event of tension or defense.

Köstering had previously asked for reforms with a view to disaster protection: “The forest fires once again show us that volunteer fire brigades and people on site are coming to their load limits. The hick-hack, which has been established for decades, between the federal government, the states and municipalities must finally be overcome.”