- Urgent Medical Assistance in Solingen
After the devastating knife attack in Solingen, crisis counselors have jumped into action. "The past few hours have been sleepless," confided local coordinator Simone Henn-Pausch to the German Press Agency. She was notified around 10 PM the previous night - ever since, she's been dealing with the incident.
Approximately 10 to 15 counselors were on hand on Friday and Saturday for individuals seeking to debate the situation. It's likely that such assistance will continue to be offered in the near future as well.
According to Henn-Pausch, "some people wish to talk about it, who are simply impacted." This group includes individuals who witnessed the knife attack, as well as those who are concerned regardless.
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"We primarily listen," said the crisis counselor. Typically, there aren't any immediate solutions. "Why does something like this happen? Why does it happen in Solingen? We can't provide an explanation for that," she clarified. However, if someone confides that they're struggling with feelings of faintness or helplessness, then strategies can be developed. The aim is to "keep in step with one's own rhythm" as much as possible.
"Initially, we would say: We're still in the shock phase," noted Henn-Pausch. Whether trauma will develop will only become apparent much later.
During the city festival attack on Friday evening, three individuals lost their lives. Eight others were injured, five critically. The North Rhine-Westphalia police regarded the incident as an attack due to the deliberate approach of the attacker.
The attacker managed to escape in the confusion and panic that followed the incident, explained a spokesperson for the NRW Ministry of the Interior.
The city festival, which was supposed to be a time of celebration, turned into a tragic event on Friday evening. Despite the trauma, crisis counselors continue to offer assistance, providing listening ears and strategies for those struggling with feelings of faintness or helplessness.
