Never say never

Mr. Nitsche, some colleagues call you a “lifesaver”. How did this come about?

It was Fall 2018, and a Supervisory Board meeting took place for which I provided the Aramark catering. Professor Heinrich Hess, Professor Bauerfeind’s longtime companion, also attended. Suddenly, we heard all sorts of commotion and loud voices. It turned out that Professor Hess was in a life-threatening situation – of course, I helped him immediately and brought him back. Luckily, he was able to continue his work with the Supervisory Board soon after.

That sounds like it was just routine for you.

It wasn’t a big deal for me. After all, I have experience with this sort of thing. Not long after, I was asked if I wanted to work for Bauerfeind. Of course, I said yes! Since then, I’ve been in charge of occupational safety, I also do repairs, equipment testing and other tasks related to Property Management, and I’m the in-house paramedic.

Has your work changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, of course. In September, the first rapid tests became available, which I have been administering since then. I’ve previously done that, too, for example at the hospital to detect MRSA, a hospital superbug. That’s why taking nose and throat swabs, as required for the rapid COVID-19 tests, is just routine for me.

What is more important: patience or a steady hand?

Both. You have to be able to respond to the individual. Some are frightened and worried, they even shake. I can usually calm them down quite quickly. During the test, I make sure that the colleagues concentrate on breathing, and then I’ve pretty much finished with the swab anyway.

Does it happen regularly that you have to help in an emergency as the in-house paramedic?

Not as rarely as some may think. Between 2019 and 2021, we had various accidents and surgical injuries that had to be treated. Quite often internal medical problems, too, that affect the cardiovascular system. We’re better equipped now with a patient monitoring screen, enabling us to respond more effectively. If the worst comes to the worst, I can check the patient’s vital signs immediately and print them out for the physician on call – that can be crucial!