Community police officers trained as first responders

The municipalities of Vaduz, Triesen, Balzers, and Triesenberg have introduced the first responder system. As part of this, municipal police officers completed additional medical training at the end of 2025 so that they can quickly initiate life-saving emergency measures in an emergency. The aim is to further improve initial medical care for the population.

The emergency services in Liechtenstein are very well organized and usually arrive on the scene quickly. Nevertheless, important and sometimes life-saving time often passes between the emergency call being received and the arrival of the emergency services. The introduction of the first responder system shortens this time and specifically supplements the existing rescue chain. During their hours of duty, municipal police officers perform an important bridging function between the emergency call and professional medical care by the emergency services by taking immediate action on site. In doing so, they support the paramedics of the Liechtenstein Red Cross, who have been performing this function since June last year and can be called upon as first responders in their free time.

In order to perform this task, the municipal police officers have been trained in medical emergencies in cooperation with the Liechtenstein Red Cross. The focus was particularly on cardiac arrests and other time-critical situations. Since January 2026, they have been qualified to immediately initiate first aid measures, perform resuscitation, and use modern aids such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Strengthening local emergency response structures

This system offers significant added value for the entire population, as everyone benefits from faster assistance in an emergency. Thanks to their good local knowledge and short distances, municipal police officers can quickly reach the scene and immediately begin providing first aid.

The additional training of municipal police officers not only enhances public safety, but also strengthens cooperation between municipalities, the police, emergency medical services, and other emergency response organizations. Clear procedures and targeted training ensure that action is taken efficiently, in a coordinated manner, and professionally in an emergency.

With the introduction of the first responder system, the participating municipalities are sending a clear signal for prevention, safety, and the sustainable development of their emergency response structures.