Stralsund receives geriatric care award for innovative emergency concept!

Stralsund receives geriatric care award for innovative emergency concept!

In the far north of Germany there is good news from the city of Stralsund. The region's welfare institutions were awarded the state's geriatric care award on October 8, 2025. This prize is awarded to recognize outstanding concepts in the field of disaster control. Social Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) explained that this award comes against the background of increasing attacks on Germany's infrastructure and is intended to raise awareness of emergency management in care facilities.

The award-winning project, entitled “Blackout – Light in the WFE when it gets dark,” impressively shows how important clear preparation is in emergency situations. The Stralsund team has developed a comprehensive manual in collaboration with electricity suppliers, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and other emergency services organizations. This manual contains important guidelines for personnel deployment planning, food and medication supplies, and measures to be taken in the event of a water supply failure. Such predefined processes are crucial in order to be able to react quickly, effectively and without delays in critical times. According to ppm-online.org, clear processes are particularly important in order to protect the health of residents and maintain the good reputation of the facility.

Successes and challenges

First place was not the only honor that the facilities in Stralsund received. Second place went to the Educational Institute for Health and Social Professions gGmbH (BiGS), also in Stralsund, for its role as a central learning and exchange location in nursing training. Third place was awarded for the “Maintaining Language” project, which was carried out at the Vorpommern-Rügen Regional Vocational Training Center in Ribnitz-Damgarten. This project promotes exchange between trainees and those in need of care and thus strengthens intergenerational cooperation.

The need for effective emergency management has increased in view of demographic change and the increasing number of people in need of care in Germany. The Federal Association of Independent Welfare warns that major damage and disasters could occur more frequently in the future due to the climate crisis and the changed security policy situation. She has therefore created appropriate practical materials for inpatient and day care facilities to help prepare for and overcome such crises. These materials, including checklists and emergency plans, can be customized to meet facility needs.

Future outlook

Another aspect that should not be overlooked is the increasingly digital focus in emergency management. As already mentioned, digital solutions and increased cooperation with healthcare providers have also found their way into care. Institutions are required to regularly prepare for possible crises with first aid courses, fire drills and emergency simulations. A comprehensive risk analysis, the identification of potential sources of danger and the development of clear communication channels are also part of the strategies to be prepared in an emergency.

Overall, the awards in Stralsund show that nursing not only relies on outstanding training and practices, but also has the right instinct for disaster prevention. The projects mentioned are an excellent example of how it can be possible to combine security, cohesion and efficient action in challenging times. This gives hope for the future, because good emergency management can save lives in an emergency.