Maltese are looking for heroes: Become part of the crisis intervention team!
The Maltese crisis intervention team in Wilhelmshaven is looking for volunteers to provide psychological first aid. Applications now open.

Maltese are looking for heroes: Become part of the crisis intervention team!
Volunteer support for the Maltese crisis intervention team is urgently needed in Wilhelmshaven. The dedicated helpers provide first aid for the soul and support people in acute emergency situations - be it after the tragic loss of a child or in the event of a serious accident. The team has been successfully involved in the region since 2012 and has established itself as an important contact point. Gerhard K. J. Schehr is one of the founding members of this valuable project.
But what exactly does a member of the crisis intervention team do? The tasks are diverse and require not only empathy, but also high-quality training. Johannes Meyer, consultant for psychosocial emergency care, emphasizes the careful preparation of those helping. Before you start working actively, it is essential to complete appropriate training with a certificate of completion.
Comprehensive training for new team members
A free basic seminar on crisis intervention starts in September at the Maltese training center Nellinghof. This seminar forms the basis for involvement in the crisis intervention team. The basic seminar includes 34 teaching units, followed by comprehensive 100-hour training to become a crisis intervention worker. In addition to theoretical exercises, practical exercises are also offered in small groups in order to apply the knowledge learned.
The seminar is followed by an internship phase. In this phase, new team members have the opportunity to complete their first assignments under the guidance of experienced colleagues. The logging of these missions serves as a reflection and assistance in the early stages. Regular training and further education are also part of the commitment to always stay up to date.
Prospects for the future
In extreme situations, not only those affected, but also the emergency services themselves are often exposed to great stress. That is why aftercare plays an essential role in the crisis intervention system. Malteser's teams consist of specially trained emergency services from various areas, such as emergency services and disaster control. The aim is to deal with stressful missions professionally and thus promote the psychological stability of those helping.
In order to take part in the advanced seminars, certain requirements are necessary, such as active work in civil protection or emergency services and completed first aid training. The training in psychosocial emergency care (PSNV-E) is divided into several modules, ranging from basic seminars to advanced techniques. This structure ensures that those helping are prepared for anything they may encounter during deployment.
For anyone interested, further information can be found at psnv.ol-land@malteser.org. It is up to all of us to have a good knack for being there for each other in difficult times and supporting people in crises.