Hausnotruf is a system offered my organisations such as the German Red Cross (DRK).

People who do not want to move into an old people’s home, but still want the peace of mind of being able call for help in an emergency use the system.  The have a red button on a necklace that they can press in an emergency, which contacts a base station which in turn dials an emergency call centre.  They then send out someone who has a key to the flat or house to help.

Some systems also offer a an option, whereby the user has to press a button on the base station eg. every 24 hours.  If they do not, they receive a call or help is sent out.  This can be useful if they are not able to press their button.

For more details on the Red Cross system, visit www.drk.de.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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DRK stands for Deutsches Rotes Kreuz – the German branch of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

It is an organisation that is made up of volunteers as well as part- or fulltime employees.  They not only offer first aid courses and medical assistance at large events, but often Hausnotruf – an emergency service for elderly people, meals on wheels, and organise blood donation sessions (Blutspende).

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download the MP3 file

Subscribe to the podcast