Civic Uprisals: Mayors in Lower Austria Stand Defiant Behind Barricades
Lower Austria is currently witnessing a wave of protests against the proposed closure of several emergency medical support points (NEF) across the region. The decision to close 11 out of the 32 existing NEF points is imminent, according to recent reports.
The loudest criticism is coming from the Vienna Woods and parts of the Mostviertel, where residents are expressing concern over the potential impact of these closures on their communities. The emergency medical support points in Lower Austria, which provide vital services to thousands of people, are being targeted for closure as part of a reorganization of the emergency medical system initiated by health councilor Eva Prischl (SPO).
One of the most affected areas is the Ybbs health region, where the emergency medical support point in Ybbs/Persenbeug is being strongly protested. Approximately 33,000 people are currently served by the existing NEF support point in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, which is also vacant according to the health plan 2040+. The mayors of the Ybbs health region and the adjacent Wieselburger area in the district of Scheibbs will present counterarguments at a press conference on Thursday, with expert emergency medical doctors in attendance.
The committee "Committee Heart Alarm" in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, which includes prominent doctors, has been at the forefront of these protests. In a striking medical statement, the committee spokesperson questioned who would handle intubations in the future if the planned closure goes through. SPO national councilor Alois Schroll has also criticized the proposed closure of the emergency medical support point in Ybbs/Persenbeug.
The protests are not limited to Waidhofen an der Ybbs. Mayors from adjacent communities in Upper Austria and Upper Styria are expected to attend the press conference in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, voicing their concerns over the closures. In addition, 15,000 signatures have been handed over to the St. Pölten Provincial Government for the preservation of the emergency medical support point in Ybbs/Persenbeug.
While the locations of the affected support points have not been officially announced yet, it is clear that the proposed closures are causing significant concern among the population. Press conferences are scheduled for Thursday in Ybbs/Donau and Waidhofen/Ybbs to voice this criticism.
In a positive development, the three helicopter stations, specially equipped emergency medical technician and rescue systems, and the tele-emergency medical service will be expanded as part of the reorganization. This expansion is intended to offset the loss of the NEF support points and ensure continued high-quality emergency medical care for the residents of Lower Austria.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on emergency medical service changes or closures, it is recommended to check directly with official Austrian health authorities such as the Lower Austrian Health Holding (NÖGUS), the regional government of Lower Austria, or the Austrian Ministry of Health.
- The emergency medical support point closures in Lower Austria, a move initiated by health councilor Eva Prischl (SPO), are sparking significant concern amidst residents, particularly in the Ybbs health region and the Vienna Woods.
- The reorganization of the emergency medical system in Lower Austria, while expanding helicopter stations and tele-emergency medical services, has fallen under criticism due to the proposed closure of 11 NEF points, with mayors from neighboring regions joining the protests.
- Policy and legislation regarding health-and-wellness, including the debate on the closure of emergency medical support points, is a topic of general news and politics, with committees like "Committee Heart Alarm" in Waidhofen an der Ybbs speaking out against the closures and presenting counterarguments.
