Luxembourg's emergency services have been under increasing pressure recently as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
In a virtual exchange with Luxembourg's Minister of the Interior, Taina Bofferding, Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) officials shared their experience of the situation on the ground and the impact of COVID-19 on the operations of firefighters across the country.
The CGDIS presented the effectiveness of its strict internal measures, put in place since the beginning of the health crisis to avoid the spread of the virus in its ranks as much as possible, protect its members and thus guarantee the continuity of the activities of the emergency services in Luxembourg.
Minister Taina Bofferding stressed: “With the increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the investment of every CGDIS woman and man is all the more important. Our fellow citizens are counting on you in emergency situations, like the one we are experiencing today! On behalf of the government, I thank you for your contribution and your solidarity in supporting us in these difficult times”.
The daily number of interventions related to the care or transport of patients is constantly increasing with a daily average of 180 interventions in recent days compared to the usual 140. Moreover, the care of potentially or confirmed COVID-19 patients has led to a complex chain of procedures from the point of view of personal firefighter equipment and vehicle disinfection. At the same time, and unlike in the days of the first wave, the emergency services are facing an increasing number of self-quarantines, thus reducing the availability of volunteers.
CGDIS officials then assessed the various possibilities to be implemented, which will allow them, if necessary, to mobilise additional reserves, for example by calling on trainees still in training or professional firefighters assigned to administrative tasks.
Finally, the officials noted that a significant number of non-urgent calls continue to be directed to the 112 emergency line. In addition to more than 1,100 calls received on average each day, the line is receiving calls related to COVID-19 issues that do not relate to a request for help. The current average is much higher than the 800 daily calls recorded in 2019. The emergency services thus urged the population to obtain information via the official government channels (i.e. covid19.lu) and to contact 112 only in an emergency.
