For the acquisition of a new ambulance, the DRK local association in Schwendi is dependent on donations. On Tuesday, June 8, 2021, Carolin Grimbacher, managing partner of SÜDPACK, handed over a check for 3,000 euros to Klaus Boeckh and Tobias Lerch as representatives of the local DRK association at the company site in Schwendi in the presence of the local press.

SÜDPACK and the DRK Schwendi have a long-standing cooperation. "In 2019, the DRK accompanied the official inauguration ceremony of our new company location in Schwendi and also provides helpful assistance as a first-aid service at all other events. It is therefore an honor for us to support the new investment project with our donation," explains Carolin Grimbacher.

For the rescue service, modern emergency vehicles are the most important means of operation - and an essential component of the DRK aid chain, which covers a variety of areas of operation, from consultation and prevention to emergency and disaster operations. The vehicle fleet of the OV Schwendi currently includes a mobile first-aid station, an equipment trolley and a rapid response vehicle (MTW), which is used to transport emergency personnel, material and seated patients.
The 14-year-old MTW is no longer state of the art and upgrading it would be too expensive, so the plan now is to purchase a new MTW. "We have to be able to rely one hundred percent on our vehicles and our equipment to ensure the fast and safe care of patients and helpers in the event of an emergency," affirms Tobias Lerch, head of readiness at OV Schwendi.

The other advantages: The state-of-the-art vehicle equipped with digital radio can easily transport wheelchair users. In addition, the seven-meter-long first-aid station with its weight of 3.5 tons can also be transported. This has a lounge area in the front area. In the rear area, a wheel stretcher and an oxygen unit are available. Since it is the only first-aid station in the Biberach district, the helpers of the OV Schwendi must be able to act quickly and flexibly.

"The generous donation from SÜDPACK helps us immensely, as we are absolutely dependent on donations from private individuals and especially from companies in the region for most of our purchases," said Klaus Boeckh, Chairman of the Board. Together with Tobias Lerch, he received the check from SÜDPACK in Schwendi as a representative of the local association. The handover naturally took place under conditions appropriate to Corona.