In the majority of cases (53,000), the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) provided direct assistance to individuals. CGDIS Director Paul Schroeder highlighted the role of the ‘first responders’ in particular, as they provide assistance before the emergency services themselves are on site. “This shows the importance of a chain of emergency services,” starting with the signalling of a situation, first-aid, and the deployment of CGDIS personnel.
Time is an important factor, according to Mayor of Luxembourg City and CGDIS President Lydie Polfer. The emergency services generally try to reach the site of an incident within 15 minutes.
17,000 people participated in first aid courses in 2021. The CGDIS intends to recruit “dozens more professionals” over the upcoming years.
The massive floods in mid-July 2021 were naturally a major event for the CGDIS as well. It was pointed out that the number of interventions due to the effects of climate change, e.g., fires and tornados, is generally on the rise.
The CGDIS currently has over 6,800 active members.
