Salzburger helps war refugees in Hungary
politics
A Red Cross paramedic from Pinzgau, together with colleagues from other countries, is now helping the war refugees from Ukraine who are crossing the border into the EU in the north-eastern part of Hungary.
According to the UN, 3.7 million Ukrainians have already fled war and destruction – most within Ukraine. Zahony train station is 500 meters from the Ukrainian border. Here, an emergency paramedic from Saalbach and several dozen of his colleagues from other EU countries medically hide the refugees.
On the way with few belongings
Their needs are different, says Toni Voithofer from the Salzburg Red Cross: “You have to differentiate between physical and mental condition. The refugees come from all regions of Ukraine. You can see the sadness and hopelessness. You don’t know how to proceed. They only have the clothes they wear and a bag or two or two.”
Air raid alarm grooved for practice
Although the paramedics are working safely, the Pinzgauer says that the war is within reach: “The presence of the Hungarian army is very noticeable because these soldiers are securing the border. It gave me goosebumps at first when there were repeated air raid alarms. Then we were told that these were exercises for the population so that people would know what to do in an emergency.”
The international aid mission in Hungary has been well organized, says Voithofer. The situation is also stressful for the helpers: “You have to deal with it somehow. And physically I’m actually fine.”
The Pinzgauer is expected to be replaced at the Hungarian-Ukrainian border on April 5th.