Record attendance: 420 first aiders at the 5th First Aider Symposium
The 5th First Aiders Symposium on November 8, 2025 took place for the first time in the Lucerne hall of the KKL Luzern and broke the attendance record by far: 420 first aiders came to Lucerne - and showed that they still have both feet outside of prison.
What does a prison have to do with first aid? Sometimes more than you might like. Because legal issues are on the minds of many a first aider. There are fears that they could do something wrong and be prosecuted for it. But there are also doubts about what is allowed and what is not. And sometimes there are various myths involved. The fifth First Aider Symposium on November 8, 2025 at the KKL Lucerne was dedicated to such legal aspects of first aid under the title «First aiders - one foot in prison already?».
420 participants and 25 exhibitors responded to the organizers' call and came to the First Responders Symposium 2025 in the Lucerne Hall at the KKL Luzern. Donat Hofer led through the program, structuring the day with his friendly and clear moderation and linking the topics in an inspiring way.
At the scene of the accident: what the police and public prosecutor's office want
Michael Muther is head of the Security Police South and opened the First Aiders Symposium 2025. He explained to the participants how the police proceed at the scene of an accident and how they can be supported in the best possible way. With humor and at the same time great professional depth, he showed which legal aspects are crucial for first responders. In particular, that every scene of damage is potentially also a crime scene. His appeal: act prudently, protect evidence and know your own responsibility.
Media: what journalists want
Also often at the scene of an accident: journalists. They also like to trample into a danger zone, stand in the way and provoke statements from first responders that they would be better off not making. So how do you deal with these darn media professionals? Kay Schubert, media trainer and long-standing journalist, took the audience on a lively journey through the world of media work. With great energy and vivid examples, he explained how media professionals act in emergency situations and highlighted the importance of media freedom and mutual understanding between emergency services and the press.
Medication: what the Therapeutic Products Act wants
Should we or shouldn't we? Dispensing medication is a sensitive issue. Dr. Ruedi Hauri, Cantonal Physician of the Canton of Zug and former President of the Association of Cantonal Physicians, shed light on the legal framework for the dispensing and use of medication by first aiders. His presentation made it clear how important sound knowledge, clear guidelines and professional safety are in order to help those affected in a professional and legally correct manner.
First aid behind bars
Marcel Ruf, Head of Lenzburg Prison, concluded the event. As someone who, figuratively speaking, has both feet in prison, he provided impressive insights into security and crisis management within the prison. With humor, authenticity and real-life examples, he showed how medical emergencies, fires and crises are dealt with professionally in a high-security environment.
The First Aider Symposium 2025 broke records
The move from the auditorium to the Lucerne Hall of the KKL Luzern meant that more first aiders were able to take part in the First Aider Symposium 2025 than before. 420 company paramedics, Samaritans, firefighters, safety officers, first responders and other first aiders responded to the call and ensured a full house. All presentations were simultaneously translated from German into French and participants received 3.5 hours of credit towards their IVR certificate and two SGAS training units.
The extended exhibition was also actively used and visited - a total of 25 exhibitors presented their products and services. The First Aider Symposium 2025 was also supported by betriebsapotheke.ch (Gold Sponsor), JDMT Group AG and Procamed AG (Silver Sponsors) and sureVIVE AG (Bronze Sponsor).
A success story continues
The joint event of the Swiss Association for Industrial Paramedics (SVBS) and IVF HARTMANN took place for the first time in 2021 and quickly developed into a success story. The organizers also attach particular importance to the supporting program, the exchange of ideas and the lively Q&A sessions after the presentations.
The next First Aider Symposium will take place on October 31, 2026, once again in the Lucerne Hall of the KKL Luzern. Under the title «Accident - up close and personal», an accident will be followed from A to Z, from first aid on a sports field to air rescue and rehabilitation to documentation by first aiders and data protection.
Sources and further information: www.ersthelfersymposium.ch, www.svbs-asse.ch
This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/teilnahmerekord-420-ersthelferinnen-am-5-ersthelfer-symposium/
