In conversation with: Lucas Beimel
Consultant and member of civil protection
Lucas Beimel our NPO Consultant in conversation
First of all, thank you Lucas for taking the time for our interview and for allowing us to ask you a few questions about your voluntary work.
Can you briefly explain to us why you volunteer and what exactly you can learn from volunteering?
I volunteer because I like being part of a close-knit group that wants to help other people.I also simply enjoy the community, and I appreciate the many learning opportunities in volunteering - both professionally and interpersonally. For example, I've just been on another two-day training course in Dortmund. Volunteering not only teaches you technical skills, but also teamwork and all kinds of interpersonal skills.I have found all my experiences so far to be valuable and the contact with other volunteers has always been very pleasant.
What do you do on a voluntary basis?
I work for Malteser International in Brakel in disaster control as a paramedic. This is an internal training course that is very much geared towards the level of a paramedic. It's the first level in the rescue service, so to speak - but it's in-house training and without a state examination.
What is your role at Malteser International?
As a paramedic, I take care of first aid at medical services and cover a wide range of tasks - from setting up equipment to caring for the injured. In the event of a disaster, we also work together with other organizations to evacuate people or transport the injured. Our area of operation is diverse. We practise regularly so that we are well prepared for an emergency.
Civil protection is always an amalgamation of different aid organizations. For example, in early summer we practised the "BHP50" concept across organizations for the European Football Championships, where we set up tents with our unit and can treat up to 50 injured people per hour. In an emergency, all organizations work together to provide effective assistance. This is an exciting and fulfilling task.
Do you get to know each other over time or are there always new faces?
You get to know a few faces over time. Especially at major events, there are also participants from other organizations. This year, for example, we supported the medical service at the Annentag (editor's note: large funfair in Brakel) - although this medical service was organized by the German Red Cross.
It is always a challenge for an organization to mobilize a large team for an event and a location. The actual availability of volunteers plays an important role here. If your own organization does not have enough people available, then you simply ask neighbouring towns or other organizations.
These are voluntary assignments by volunteers, who sometimes simply don't have time for an assignment.
How did you come to volunteer with the Malteser International?
I got into volunteering through my school. The school paramedic service was organized by Malteser International, so I started as a school paramedic. I later switched to Malteser International and completed further training there. I took a break for 3 years because of my studies and have now been active again since the beginning of the year.
How does cooperation work in civil protection?
Various organizations work together in disaster control. While the THW, for example, is responsible for technical support, rescue and recovery, we at Malteser International are responsible for caring for those affected and transporting the injured.
Do you tend to be younger people volunteering with Malteser International?
The age of the volunteers varies. There are many who start early, but there are also late starters.
In my home region, there were many Malteser school paramedic services. There were always competitions between the schools, where school paramedics could compete in various case studies. Ambitious pupils were always happy to take part!
Can you tell me how a mission works?
I can explain this for our disaster control unit using the example of the European Football Championship. We first meet at the "home organization", clarify the roles and then drive to the staging area.
This is where all organizations coordinate, exchange personnel if necessary and determine the vehicle sequence. We are then ready for action on site and can follow the game on our mobile devices.
Did you have a specific task for the European Championships?
We are responsible for civil protection at the European Championships. We are on standby in order to be on site quickly if we are needed. The local organizations will take care of supplies in the stadium.
We drove from Höxter to Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen. For safety reasons, we only found out exactly where we were going on the day of departure. The security measures were very strict and each of us was relieved that our help was not needed.
Are there any challenges in your work - from a planning perspective?
Yes, (laughs) you just can't plan it. That's the problem.It was different with the European Football Championships, of course. We had known for a long time that this major event was coming up. You can plan an exercise for such events. In an emergency, however, it's a different story. Such an operation is unpredictable. I don't know exactly when the deployment is or when I'll be back. During such an operation, it's a case of when the alarm goes off, then I should go. I can then just write a short message and drive off.
Fortunately, I can rely on my colleagues at work. I know for sure that they can handle it. I'm also sure that our customers in the NPO environment understand the need for voluntary work. It's definitely helpful to have customers from this sector.
How the Ambit Group supports you in your project?
I was able to discuss the issue briefly with Thomas (editor's note: Thomas Lewandowski, Head of BU NPO & Education). He then took care of the rest to arrange my time off for the European Championships. It's an absolute stroke of luck to be a volunteer and work for a company that supports NPOs at the same time! My customers are also familiar with the topic and appreciate my commitment in such cases. The Ambit Group showed understanding for my ambition to work in civil protection right from the start, and also for the fact that I would be away spontaneously in an emergency.
Why do you work in the NPO & Education BU? Is there a project that particularly fascinates you?
The Ambit Group approached me directly. My LinkedIn profile also lists my voluntary work and I also had the right professional background. After a conversation with Thomas, everything fit perfectly.A company that works for aid organizations and NPOs? That just sounded great.
It's the perfect match for me and I'm still very happy about this decision. Our team is just great. Although we are spread across different locations, we meet every day for our daily. Our Team Weeks are always special highlights when we meet in person.
Thank you very much for the exciting and informative interview, Lucas.
We are delighted that you are so committed to supporting non-profit organizations, the Malteser International and the Ambit Group.
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Christian Schipp, Chief Business Development Officer
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