[Dual assignment in crisis preparedness: extent and implications of volunteer engagement in civil protection from the hospital perspective : An online survey at Ulm University Hospital].

Abstract

Introduction: The current security situation calls for greater resilience and comprehensive crisis preparedness within the German healthcare system. At the same time, around 90% of civil protection in Germany relies on voluntary work. Clinical staff who also volunteer in civil protection may face competing demands in crisis situations and are unable to be available to both sectors simultaneously. This dual role has so far been scarcely investigated systematically from the perspective of hospitals.

Methods: Between 14 January and 15 February 2026, all staff at Ulm University Hospital (UKU), including those at the Service Company Ulm University Hospital (DUU), were surveyed. The questionnaire comprised eleven items on professional role, voluntary work, alert procedures and other characteristics.

Results: Of the 1310 participants (out of 8500 respondents), 134 (10.2%) stated that they were active as volunteers in civil protection. Where multiple responses were possible, volunteers were most frequently active in aid organisations (n = 72; 50.3%), followed by the volunteer fire service (n = 43; 30.1%), the German Armed Forces (n = 10; 7.0%) and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (n = 5; 3.5%). Of the volunteers, 29.9% held a leadership role within their respective organisation.

Discussion: The results highlight the potential extent of dual assignments at a German university hospital. To ensure effective crisis preparedness, such dual assignments should be systematically recorded and coordinated deployment plans developed between the organisations involved.