A modern smartphone-based first responder alert system can do much more than just send an alert to communityfirst responders.
The Region of Lifesavers system does much more than simply alert community first responders. It also complies with resuscitation guidelines and is continuously evaluated in accordance with international reporting standards for such systems.
The latest generation of our Region of Lifesavers app features an intelligent algorithm that optimises the selection of first responders, task allocation, and routing. Responders are chosen based on their location, actual distance to the emergency site, mode of transport (on foot, bicycle, or car), and the estimated travel time of the ambulance. Task distribution is further refined using individualised route calculations for available responders and includes the option for one responder to retrieve an AED.
Our team of scientists, first responders, and partner organisations continuously share new ideas with us. After prioritising these suggestions, we regularly develop and implement new features aimed at enhancing the system. All updates are seamlessly made available to every rescue control centre connected to the system through regular app updates for both iOS and Android.
We use DEFImap as our AED location registry. Since community first responders are automatically directed to an AED location in an emergency, it is crucial that everything functions smoothly under pressure. The AED must be easy to locate and ready for use.
To support this, we provide detailed information including current availability, opening hours, clear access descriptions and photos of the AED location. This helps ensure that first responders can retrieve the AED as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Region of Lifesavers system is designed to operate nationwide. All first responders registered in the system are alerted in any control centre area connected to it. They save lives wherever they are — during their free time, on holiday, or on their way to work. This large pool of responders benefits all participating cities and districts.
Our regional map shows the areas where first responders can currently be alerted.
The Region of Lifesavers app only alerts medically trained first responders who are registered in the system and whose professional qualifications have been verified by regional or organisational administrators.
Eligible individuals are first responders aged 18 and over with a recognised medical qualification.
Minimum Qualification:
To ensure high-quality, guideline-compliant resuscitation, responders must have at least a basic qualification in BLS (Basic Life Support) and undergo regular refresher training. Suitable qualifications include:
The success of the Region of Lifesavers system relies on having as many qualified first responders as possible — individuals with the medical knowledge needed to respond to emergencies such as cardiac arrest or unconsciousness. Practical experience in emergencies is also essential.
Each responder’s qualifications are verified based on the certificates they submit. You do not need to be a member of any organisation to take part. First responders are not granted membership in Region der Lebensretter e.V., but instead contribute as independent volunteers who are available to assist when an emergency occurs nearby.
Region of Lifesavers provides effective first-level support for first responders, with emergency control centre staff, ambulance service personnel and emergency doctors available to answer technical, medical and organisational questions. Our support ticket system, available via support_at_regionderlebensretter.de, ensures quick responses to enquiries from all areas.
We offer user manuals for both Android and iOS, as well as online tutorials, extensive information, and FAQs through our support portal.
Registration in the app is carried out independently by interested and qualified users. The self-sign-on process includes features such as data protection and confidentiality declarations, along with the upload of qualification certificates. Medical qualifications are typically obtained through established aid organisations within the region. Activation takes place once the submitted qualifications have been reviewed and approved by the responsible authorities in the relevant region.
During the call-out
First responders receive a dynamic ID card with copy protection, allowing them to identify themselves at the scene of an emergency. All responders alerted via our app are covered by nationwide supplementary liability insurance. In addition, an equipment provision concept supports them in performing their duties safely and effectively.
After the call-out
If first responders require support following a call-out, Region of Lifesavers provides access to Psychological First Aid (PFA). We offer dedicated support services and work in partnership with existing regional PFA and psychosocial care structures to ensure responders receive the help they need.
Our lifesavers can be equipped with a specially designed, easy-to-disinfect backpack configured for emergency use. It contains everything needed for a resuscitation call-out — from a respirator mask to personal protective equipment — and even has space for a personal defibrillator (AED), if available. For healthcare professionals or anyone who prefers to travel light, we’ve developed the compact RollBAG in collaboration with Rettungszeug. Our Region of Lifesavers responder equipment can be ordered through our partners’ online shops, and we also support donation campaigns to help fund equipment. Further information about available equipment is provided on our website.
First responders are covered by statutory accident insurance during their voluntary activities, including travel to and from the emergency site. This insurance, provided by the relevant public accident insurance bodies, protects against personal injury and property damage. It also addresses legal matters related to third-party damage, such as property or personal injury occurring during the provision of first aid.
As an additional benefit, Region of Lifesavers has arranged a nationwide supplementary first responder insurance policy with a major insurer. This cover is available to all participants who are alerted to medical emergencies via the Region of Lifesavers app through connected emergency control centres.
The insurance covers the personal legal liability of all first responders activated through the app, including those without organisational affiliation. This supplementary cover applies only when no other insurance is in place. Please note that, due to current legal regulations, damage to a responder’s own vehicle is not included.
Region of Lifesavers e.V. acts as the data controller and is responsible for data processing under data protection laws. We enter into a data processing agreement with the emergency control centres and operate under a data protection concept approved by the Data Protection Commissioner of Baden-Württemberg, which has also been positively reviewed by interior ministries of several German federal states.
Region of Lifesavers is ISO 27001 certified and operates on GDPR-compliant servers located within the European Union.
During an emergency call-out, only the personal data necessary for the immediate response are shared. Location data is transmitted exclusively from participating responders to the emergency control centre for operational coordination and is deleted after the call-out. All first responders are registered only after their qualifications have been verified. The Region of Lifesavers system includes a privacy policy integrated into the app, along with comprehensive participant, usage, and confidentiality agreements. Acceptance of these agreements is mandatory during registration to complete the process.
The Region of Lifesavers system is continuously supported and evaluated by our interdisciplinary scientific working group, which includes experts in resuscitation research. Their work plays a vital role in the ongoing development and improvement of the system.
We are actively involved in the Smartphone Working Group of the German Resuscitation Council, as well as in the resuscitation and post-resuscitation care sections of the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive and Emergency Medicine (DIVI) and the German Society for Internal Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DGIIN). Additionally, we maintain collaborations with researchers both nationally and internationally.
