Status: 25.02.2021 5:57 p.m.
First theory, then practical exercise and then action: on Thursday, the first volunteers in Kiel were instructed to work as test helpers in nursing homes. From Monday they will cut back.
By Daniel Kummetz and Christian Schepsmeier
The first trainee has “already experienced a bit,” as the trainer says. Her eyes are fixed on the ceiling – before the first seminar participant practices on her how to take a throat swab for a rapid corona test. The doll in the academy of the German Red Cross in Kiel serves the prospective test helpers in nursing homes more as a rough orientation – so that they know where to go with their swab later. How exactly to take the swab from the mucous membranes cannot be practiced here, because their structure cannot be compared with that of a real person, says the lecturer.
A matter of practice: The volunteers learn how to take the smear for a rapid corona test.
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The participants in his course have registered as volunteers. They want to replace the Bundeswehr soldiers who are currently helping nursing homes and disabled facilities to implement mandatory tests for employees and visitors. Because at the moment only those who tested negative are allowed to visit their friends and relatives. Over 200 institutions have asked for help from the Bundeswehr, and the soldiers have been on duty since the end of January. It was initially only officially scheduled for three weeks, then other testers should take over.
Almost 1200 interested parties in Schleswig-Holstein
But it took a little longer than expected for the search for test helpers to really pick up speed. Volunteers were able to express their interest in the mission through the Federal Employment Agency. According to the Ministry of Health, around 1,200 interested parties have registered for Schleswig-Holstein alone – the Ministry estimates the need at an arithmetical point of 167 full-time positions. According to the latest decision of the Prime Minister’s Conference, the soldiers are said to have been replaced by civilian helpers by Easter at the latest.
Motivation: Help, earn money, get out
Four interested parties are now sitting in the seminar room in Kiel. Your motivation: You want to help, do something in the lockdown, meet people and earn money. The employment agency had recommended that the homes pay 20 euros per hour. “That is easy money,” says occupational therapist Alexander Rass before his induction. He works as an occupational therapist in a correctional facility. “And I have a few more social contacts – when I’m lying on the sofa at home, I miss that.” Alexandra Sari is a social pedagogical assistant, otherwise works in daycare centers. She says: “Due to the Corona situation, I would like to help old people and relieve other people of the work so that it is easier for them.” Kevin Thomsen has volunteered to “bridge the gap” until his service as a soldier begins.
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Outside the industry: Jens Rieper usually sells drinks, is now on short-time work and wants to do something useful.
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Jens Rieper is actually sales manager at a beverage retailer – and on short-time work, because his employer lives from the catering trade. “I didn’t expect that with the job,” he says. Sitting at home doesn’t make him happy either, he wants to get involved, “act”. He thinks it is important to allow visitors to see their loved ones. “That this is rewarded, I like to take that with me in the short-time work – but for me it is primarily about acting and not just thinking – that is important in society.”
A total of 62 volunteers are under contract as corona testers
The four are due to start testing in nursing homes Monday. According to the DRK, which coordinates the briefing and deployment in Schleswig-Holstein, there are currently 62 volunteers under contract. According to the German Red Cross, many of the 200 facilities developed internal solutions for the time after the support from the Bundeswehr ended. In addition to the big federal-state campaign, there are other initiatives to support nursing homes. The care chambers in Germany collect on the website pflegereserve.de Above all, for example, the data from people with care experience who are not currently deployed but would be willing to help in facilities during the pandemic. According to a care chamber, 90 people have already been placed in Schleswig-Holstein, and 220 more are ready, according to a spokesman.
The doll in the academy is not the end of the instruction – the participants have to test each other. You will learn how far the stick with the mini-brush has to be guided into the nose, how to turn it to get a good sample. None of the participants rolled their eyes here. But some have to swallow.
Further information
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