As Bordeaux faced devastating wildfires in the Gironde region in recent weeks, Luxembourgish doctor Stéphanie Rauchs, currently specialising in child psychiatry, found herself in the midst of an extraordinary situation.
In conversation with RTL, she shared her experience of days when the city was shrouded in darkness depending on the wind direction, with people walking the streets in masks to protect themselves from particles hanging thick in the air. "It was certainly a frightening feeling", Rauchs admitted as she recalls the surreal atmosphere that overtook the city.
Rauchs, who is 27 and currently based in Bordeaux for her specialisation, drew a striking parallel between her recent experiences and the film 'Red Sky', where a group of young people on holiday are suddenly threatened by wildfires. "Threats like these always seem distant until they become real right outside your door", she reflected.
In recent days, the wildfire situation has begun to stabilise. According to Rauchs, a large number of Cap Ferret residents, who had previously evacuated, have been able to return to their homes. Firefighters have managed to contain some of the blazes, and there has been no further progression.
Emergency shelters were established in Bordeaux’s exhibition halls to accommodate people fleeing the fires. Rauchs herself volunteered to help at these centres, motivated by a desire to support those in need. She described a profound sense of community and mutual aid.
Originally from Luxembourg, Rauchs completed her medical studies in Berlin and is now continuing her training in child psychiatry at a hospital in the centre of Bordeaux. She deliberately chose this specialisation, recognising the significant need for mental health support among young people in society.
Previously, Rauchs undertook an internship in paediatric psychiatry at Luxembourg's Kannerklinik. She believes that there is still considerable room for development in child and adolescent psychiatric care in Luxembourg, and sees opportunities for further expansion in the future.
